SEAN WILLINGALE STALKING INCIDENT IN STOURBRIDGE LEADS TO PRISON SENTENCE
| Red Rose Database
Stourbridge Stalker
Sean Willingale, a 56-year-old man from Stourbridge, has been convicted of persistent harassment towards his former partner, despite being legally prohibited from making any contact with her. The court found that Willingale repeatedly violated a restraining order that had been put in place to protect the woman from his unwanted advances. Despite clear instructions to stay away, he engaged in a series of intrusive and intimidating behaviors that caused significant distress to his victim.
Willingale’s actions included knocking loudly on her front door during the early hours of the morning, a time when such disturbances are particularly unsettling. Witnesses reported hearing him call her name loudly through her Ring doorbell app, which she used to monitor her property remotely. On another occasion, he was seen standing on her porch, staring directly at her from the pavement, an act that left her feeling vulnerable and frightened. These incidents occurred despite the fact that he had previously been sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for breaching a restraining order, a punishment that underscored the seriousness of his previous violations.
He was released from prison less than two weeks before the latest incident, which took place on August 23. The victim described her emotional state as one of constant fear and anxiety, stating, “I don’t know when it’s going to end. It’s never-ending. I feel like Willingale will continue to contact me.” Her distress was compounded by a letter she received from HMP Hewell on August 11, in which Willingale, then incarcerated, expressed his ongoing love for her, his desire to rekindle their relationship, and even asked her to visit him in prison. This letter further demonstrated his refusal to respect the boundaries set by the court.
Police investigations revealed CCTV footage showing Willingale calling out her name multiple times, an act that clearly violated the restraining order. Law enforcement officials confirmed that he had been warned not to contact her, but he admitted to forgetting these instructions and claimed he was unaware of the specific conditions of the restraining order. His actions and admissions led to his arrest and subsequent trial.
On October 12, Willingale was found guilty of breaching the restraining order, stalking, and other related offences. The court sentenced him to two years and four months in prison, reflecting the severity of his repeated violations and the impact on his victim. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by victims of stalking and harassment, especially when offenders continue to breach legal protections despite previous convictions and warnings.
Willingale’s actions included knocking loudly on her front door during the early hours of the morning, a time when such disturbances are particularly unsettling. Witnesses reported hearing him call her name loudly through her Ring doorbell app, which she used to monitor her property remotely. On another occasion, he was seen standing on her porch, staring directly at her from the pavement, an act that left her feeling vulnerable and frightened. These incidents occurred despite the fact that he had previously been sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for breaching a restraining order, a punishment that underscored the seriousness of his previous violations.
He was released from prison less than two weeks before the latest incident, which took place on August 23. The victim described her emotional state as one of constant fear and anxiety, stating, “I don’t know when it’s going to end. It’s never-ending. I feel like Willingale will continue to contact me.” Her distress was compounded by a letter she received from HMP Hewell on August 11, in which Willingale, then incarcerated, expressed his ongoing love for her, his desire to rekindle their relationship, and even asked her to visit him in prison. This letter further demonstrated his refusal to respect the boundaries set by the court.
Police investigations revealed CCTV footage showing Willingale calling out her name multiple times, an act that clearly violated the restraining order. Law enforcement officials confirmed that he had been warned not to contact her, but he admitted to forgetting these instructions and claimed he was unaware of the specific conditions of the restraining order. His actions and admissions led to his arrest and subsequent trial.
On October 12, Willingale was found guilty of breaching the restraining order, stalking, and other related offences. The court sentenced him to two years and four months in prison, reflecting the severity of his repeated violations and the impact on his victim. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by victims of stalking and harassment, especially when offenders continue to breach legal protections despite previous convictions and warnings.