STALKER WHO WOULDN'T ACCEPT BREAK UP HARASSED EX
A man from Plymouth who refused to accept his breakup with his partner engaged in a prolonged campaign of harassment, following her decision to end their brief relationship.Despite being told that she did not love him and that their relationship was over, Thomas Henrick, 34, from Lippell Drive, initiated a series of unwanted communications, including numerous text messages and phone calls every day.
He also left unwelcome gifts at her residence in Truro and even appeared there in person at all hours, pleading for her to allow him back or to let him in because he claimed to love her.
During a sentencing at Truro Crown Court on October 21, it was revealed that on one occasion Henrick followed her into her home and assaulted her physically by groping her breasts and buttocks while she was clearly trying to avoid any sexual contact.
The court heard that despite her repeated insistence that she only wished to remain friends, Henrick ignored her and continued his harassment.
As a result, she had to install a doorbell camera and additional CCTV around her property to monitor her surroundings.
The persistent harassment lasted for two weeks in August, during which Henrick attempted to break into her home, pushing a friend of his ex into the property to support her, and even tried to damage her doorbell to prevent her from seeing his visits.
The victim reported these incidents to Devon and Cornwall Police, with prosecutor Ryan Murray stating that Henrick's ex was on the phone with the police when Henrick sent her a text, Messenger, and WhatsApp messages.
Throughout this period, he left various gifts such as jewelry, flowers, and chocolates at her doorstep, despite her requests for him to leave her alone.
Henrick was eventually arrested and, during police interviews, denied the allegations.
He claimed that his actions were out of caring behavior and insisted that the relationship had been fine until her friends interfered, leading to the downfall.
He also argued that his contact was not excessive and maintained that the gifts were meant to lift her mood.
He pleaded guilty to charges of stalking causing serious alarm or distress, assault by beating, and criminal damage related to his attempt to interfere with her camera system.
The court heard that Henrick has a lengthy criminal record, with 26 prior convictions for 47 offenses, including four for harassment and others for breaching a domestic protection order.
His legal representative acknowledged that a restraining order would benefit both parties, with the solicitor explaining that Henrick struggled to understand his misconduct and recognized the need for behavioral change.
The lawyer emphasized that Henrick, who has been in and out of prison over the past seven years, was now seeking help to prevent future offenses.
Addressing Henrick's behavior, Judge Simon Carr described the harassment as frightening and distressing for the victim, noting her clear communication that their relationship was over and that she wished no further contact.
The judge condemned Henrick's refusal to accept this and his persistence in pursuing her through messages, unwanted visits, assault, and vandalism.
While Henrick expressed some remorse, the judge stated that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.
He sentenced Henrick to 12 months in prison, with 40% to be served before release on license, and imposed a five-year restraining order preventing any contact with his victim.
