JAIL FOR MAN WHO COERCED THEN STALKED EX-PARTNER
Judge Michael Gledhill KC described 25-year-old Spencer Beel as someone who outwardly gave the impression of being an ordinary young man, yet in reality he was a ‘thoroughly unpleasant and nasty’ individual.The first sign of his true nature emerged on January 9 this year, when he was involved in a fight at the White Horse pub in Headington.
During the altercation, he used a racial slur against a group of Travellers, threw glasses from the bar as projectiles, and assaulted a pub staff member by punching him.
Later that evening, police found him injured from the brawl, and he was reported to have spat recklessly at two officers.
Throughout the year, his true character was further revealed when he was arrested and subsequently charged with controlling behaviour towards his partner, the mother of his children, with whom he also assaulted and damaged a TV.
While out on bail, Beel began a stalking campaign, frequently calling her, showing up at her home, and pressuring her to retract police statements threatening to ruin her and stop her benefits.
He also harassed her via fake social media profiles and leaked her contact details.
The victim’s personal statement highlighted the severe impact on her health and forced eviction caused by his abuse.
Judge Gledhill summarized that Beel’s actions created a “catalogue of misery” for his former partner and her children, holding him fully responsible.
Beel, of Oxford, was convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour, actual bodily harm, and criminal damage, while admitting to stalking, threats, racially aggravated disorderly conduct, and assaults.
During mitigation, lawyer Derek Barry described Beel as a more mature individual than earlier in the case, noting his work as a BMW agency staff member and completion of anger management courses in prison, supported by references from prison officers.
Judge Gledhill sentenced him to 42 months in prison, noting that separate sentences for all charges would total well over ten years.
He expressed hope that Beel would mature, take responsibility, and become a responsible member of society.
Additionally, a restraining order was put in place, banning him from any contact with his ex-partner or posting about her on social media indefinitely.
