STALKER TERRORISED EX-PARTNER WITH VILE THREATS
During their short-lived relationship, Tony Leming subjected his partner to a series of abusive acts, including frequent assaults, death threats, and confinement within her home.The incidents came to a head on August 5 of last year when Leming attacked her again, as revealed in court proceedings at Teesside Crown Court.
Prosecutor Nigel Soppitt detailed: “Leming visited her house, she refused to let him in, and he threatened to set the house on fire with her inside if she did not open the door.” Ultimately, she let him in, where he pushed her onto the sofa and jumped on her, causing injuries to her arm.
The very next day, Leming returned to her home once more, demanding entry while threatening to burn it down.
She then sought refuge with her parents, but he tracked her down, continuing to threaten and attempting to provoke her father to come outside.
Following a holiday at the end of August, which she took in an attempt to escape Leming's abusive behaviour, she still received multiple threatening phone calls from him.
Residing in Littondale, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, Leming faced convictions for assault causing actual bodily harm, stalking, threatening behaviour, and breaching a restraining order after trial at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.
Emma Williams, representing Leming, explained that the defendant was a tree surgeon who had lost his job after developing an addiction to crack cocaine.
She urged the judge to consider reducing his sentence or avoiding immediate imprisonment.
Judge Howard Crowson described Leming as a ‘bullying’ individual with prior convictions related to past relationships.
He added: “She was clearly vulnerable in her own home and was threatened by your actions – you threatened her to get access to the house.” Concerning the stalking charges, the judge stated: “You attended the home of her and her parents, again making threats of a knife attack of fire and you made a series of telephone calls making other threats.” Leming was sentenced to four years and two months behind bars for all charges and was subject to restraining orders to prevent contact with his former partner and her family.
