TIPTREE MAN THREATENED TO CEMENT OVER EX'S GRAVE, COURT TOLD
A man from Colchester who was unable to accept the end of his relationship threatened to set fire to his ex-wife's home and to “cement over her grave,” a court has heard.Patrick Garvey sent threatening voice messages to his former partner and repeatedly went to her residence, knocking loudly on the door and trying to force it open despite knowing that a mutual friend was present.
He also sent her messages in which he threatened to take his own life.
The 39-year-old, residing on Chestnut Way in Tiptree, pleaded guilty to two stalking offences committed last year.
He was sentenced to 29 months in prison, with the sentence suspended for 20 months, accompanied by a 60-day rehabilitation order and a six-month GPS tracking condition.
Additionally, he was ordered to have no contact with the victim for six years.
Judge Samantha Leigh characterized Garvey’s conduct as “persistent, threatening and intrusive,” stating that the victim was frightened he might harm her.
She added that Garvey’s actions led the victim to miss work due to anxiety, lose weight, and suffer panic attacks.
Representing Garvey, lawyer Brian Reece explained that his client had struggled to cope with the breakup and “couldn’t focus on anything else.” Reece also pointed out that Garvey had not used any physical violence and was eager to avoid another prison term after being remanded for six months following a breach of bail.
