MAN WHO STALKED HIS FORMER DENTIST JAILED FOR BREAKING RESTRAINING ORDER
A man who secretly followed his dentist for years has been sentenced to two years behind bars after breaching a restraining order issued against him.Thomas Baddeley, from Bristol, had previously served a 16-month jail term after being found with a 'murder kit' near the home of Ian Hutchinson.
The kit contained items such as a large knife, a crossbow with bolts, bleach, and a hammer.
Although released in September, Baddeley was apprehended outside Dr Hutchinson’s surgery in Monmouthshire weeks later.
Following his latest sentencing on Thursday, Dr Hutchinson criticised the legal framework for stalking, describing it as 'woefully inadequate' and 'completely crazy.' He stated, 'Someone can stalk another person for four years, carefully plan to kidnap, torture, murder, and hide the body, yet only serve a short prison sentence.
They can also get a restraining order and break it shortly after release.' He added, 'It's just crazy how many warning signs are ignored before authorities take action.' At Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Baddeley’s fixation on Dr Hutchinson started between 2012 and 2016, motivated by grievances over dental procedures.
He became convinced that the braces he was fitted with were poisoning him by allowing water into his gums.
His concerns grew more irrational, and after his treatment ended, Dr Hutchinson expected a formal complaint — one that never arrived.
In November 2019, Baddeley was arrested near the dentist’s home, dressed in a balaclava and carrying what was described as a 'murder kit,' with plastic sheeting covering the car seats.
Court records indicated that Baddeley had been stalking Dr Hutchinson for months prior to the end of his treatment.
Items found at his home and car included detailed plans linked to an event they called 'the event.' When questioned, Baddeley refused to comment and did not clarify what 'the event' was.
In August, he was sentenced to 16 months at Cardiff Crown Court for possessing offensive weapons and stalking without alarming the victim, as Dr Hutchinson was unaware of his actions.
A psychological assessment suggested that Baddeley’s 'autistic traits' could explain his intense obsession.
Due to his guilty plea and time already served on remand, he was released immediately following sentencing.
The court also imposed an indefinite restraining order, which included restrictions on his presence in parts of Monmouthshire.
However, on October 7, a police officer, aware of the restraining order, saw Baddeley near Dr Hutchinson’s clinic in Chepstow.
Noticing he was riding a bicycle and attempting to disguise himself, the officer detained him as he approached the clinic.
In a victim impact statement, Dr Hutchinson explained that the ordeal has significantly affected him both personally and professionally.
His long-term partner left him, and his family expressed fears for their safety.
DC Ceri Parker of Gwent Police stated, 'No one should have to live in fear because of stalking, as experienced by Baddeley’s victim.'
