SHEERNESS DAD SPARED JAIL AFTER 'NASTY AND INTIMIDATING' STALKING CAMPAIGN
A dad whose "nasty and intimidating" stalking of an ex-partner included repeatedly letting himself into her home, smearing cat excrement on her sofa and pouring bleach into her washing machine has been spared jail.Marcus Sprawling's three-week campaign against the woman also included smashing her TV, a hallway mirror, an elephant ornament and a glass jug, as well as ripping furniture.
Even after being warned he would be reported to police, his behaviour continued and escalated in nature, Maidstone Crown Court heard.
Such was its impact that his victim was left "extremely petrified" and had security measures installed "to feel safe and protected" at her Sheerness home.
Sprawling, from Essex, initially denied any wrongdoing following his arrest and stood trial earlier this year.
But before his former girlfriend had been called to give evidence, the 35-year-old dad of three pleaded guilty to a charge of stalking between October 15 and November 7, 2020.
At his sentencing, it was explained how he dated the woman for about eight months before their split.
Although he handed back his key to her house, he used a spare to let himself in.
His actions included damage to her property, such as ripping a sofa and smashing a mirror, and leaving flowers and a note on her doorstep.
The court was told he used WhatsApp, then changed to iMessage and Instagram to contact her, despite her telling him to leave her alone.
Police found evidence of him driving from Essex to Sheerness to damage her home.
The woman reported feeling "too scared" to stay home alone, suffering from anxiety and depression, leading her to install security measures.
Sprawling, who has no prior convictions, has since "moved on" with a new family life, giving up alcohol and not reoffending.
Judge Oliver Saxby KC sentenced him to a two-year jail term, suspended for two years, and ordered him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, pay £2,000 in compensation, and a 10-year restraining order.
The judge remarked that although the offence was five years old, her memories of the domestic abuse still lingered, stressing the serious and frightening nature of his actions.
