MAN FROM ALLERTON JAILED FOR STALKING EX-PARTNER
A woman who was subjected to stalking by her former partner after ending their relationship recounted his behavior as “unhinged” during a court hearing.Martin Coyle has been sentenced to 14 months in prison and must also serve an eight-week suspended sentence, which was activated by a judge, for previous domestic abuse offenses.
At Bradford Crown Court, Recorder David Gordon described the sentence as “appropriate,” stating: “[The victim] felt that your behaviour had been unhinged, and she feared what you would do next.” Prosecutor Christopher Bevan explained that 37-year-old Coyle had been in a five-month relationship with the woman, which she ended due to his drug addiction and gambling habits.
Coyle, unhappy with her decision, began calling her using blocked numbers and even downloaded an application to make it look like calls originated from international sources.
He also sent her numerous text messages, visited her home, and was seen outside her workplace.
His calls intensified, reaching up to ten per day or more, with one day totaling 142 calls.
His persistent and extreme behavior spanned over four months.
The victim stated that Coyle’s actions made her feel “anxious, nervous, and confused,” and she feared for her safety.
The court was told that Coyle, of Allerton Grange Drive, Allerton, admitted to stalking involving serious worry or distress during a trial at the magistrates’ court.
He has prior convictions for battery and for breaching a non-molestation order related to a former partner, which led to an eight-week suspended prison sentence.
In mitigation, Mollie Briggs said Coyle had created additional accounts to contact the victim, but these actions were described as impulsive rather than carefully planned.
She noted that there was no evidence of threats or violence, and while acknowledging he went about things incorrectly, her client accepted his mistakes.
Briggs also mentioned that Coyle had made poor decisions following his father’s death and struggled with substance misuse, though he is now sober.
During sentencing, Recorder Gordon, speaking via video from HMP Leeds, emphasized the seriousness of stalking, highlighting its impact on mental health and personal safety, and the potential for escalation into violence.
He stressed that such conduct causes lasting emotional harm and infringes on personal freedoms, prompting the court to treat these offenses very seriously.
Coyle was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment and given a five-year restraining order preventing any contact with the victim.
