STALKER MADE 460-MILE ROUND TRIP TO SLASH TYRES AND POUR PAINT ON WOMAN'S CAR
An individual described as being 'infatuated' traveled a total distance of around 460 miles to damage a woman's car by slashing its tires and applying red paint over it.Reece Chipperfield also left a threatening note on the vehicle’s windscreen after undertaking the journey from Devon to Sussex to perform this act.
Between December 2021 and March 2022, the 28-year-old was employed at a hotel near Crawley, where he shared a professional relationship with a former colleague.
Authorities stated that he quickly became obsessed with her, including sending her an unwanted bracelet, reaching out to her colleagues to find out her work hours without permission, and sending her unwanted text messages.
On April 6, 2022, the woman told him to stop all contact.
Just four days afterward, Chipperfield drove from Thurlestone in Devon to Sussex, where the hotel is located.
He waited for her to arrive at her place of work, then went on to slash three tires and pour red paint on her vehicle.
He then returned to his home, a journey estimated by police to take about eight hours.
Chipperfield was quickly apprehended and bailed with restrictions not to contact the woman.
Despite this, he ignored the order and sent her unwanted cards.
Police secured an interim Stalking Protection Order to help safeguard her while they gathered additional evidence.
On October 7, 2022, staff at the hotel received a threatening letter addressed to the victim.
On October 10, 2022, Sussex police arrested Chipperfield.
He admitted guilt to charges including stalking, criminal damage, and witness intimidation.
He was sentenced to 14 months in prison.
Because he had already spent seven months in custody on remand, the court ordered his release, considering the time served.
An indefinite restraining order was also put in place to prevent further contact.
