Court hears of late-night calls, messages and 999 whisper for help

A WOMAN has told a court her life was “turned upside down” by a campaign of harassment from her former partner which left her too frightened to feel safe in her own home.

In a victim impact statement read to magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, she said almost every aspect of her daily life had been affected.

“Almost every aspect of my life has been disrupted,” she said.

“His actions have left me feeling constantly unsafe and vulnerable, particularly late at night, and my home is no longer the safe haven it should be.

“Making that 999 call left me feeling ashamed, even though I knew it was the right action in the circumstances.”

The court heard that during the emergency call on May 15, the woman could be heard whispering to the operator because her ex-partner, Gary Thomas, was outside her home in a Pembrokeshire village.

Prosecutor Nia James said: “Just before 10:30pm Gary Thomas knocked on her door and the female saw a shadow looking in through the window.

“She can be heard speaking quietly because he was outside banging on the door. She felt scared that he could hear her making that call to the police.”

The harassment began on May 8, the day after the couple’s relationship, described to the court as “toxic”, came to an end.

Thomas repeatedly contacted her by phone and text. On one evening alone, between 10:00pm and 11:30pm, she received 22 missed calls. On May 15 he messaged to say he was coming to collect his belongings, knocked on the door at 10:18pm and continued sending messages for around 20 minutes.

Despite being asked to stop, he continued to contact her via text and WhatsApp, including messages saying: “I always love you and think about you” and “Can you come and speak to me please?”

“The female has had to make considerable changes to her lifestyle,” said Ms James. “Initially she felt so unsafe she went to stay with her family and has now had to take increased security precautions. But even with these steps, she continues to experience heightened anxiety.

“He showed no consideration or thought towards her, and this has added to her emotional strain.”

Thomas, aged 40, of Foley Way, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to harassment without violence.

Defence solicitor Tom Lloyd said the incidents were limited and that his client was remorseful.

“He turned up at the address on a very limited number of occasions and the offences don’t include a particularly high volume of phone calls,” he said.

“There was no threat of violence, no intimidation, and this isn’t something that was sustained. He’s expressed genuine remorse. He’s never been before the courts and this was a completely isolated incident.”

Magistrates fined Thomas £2,700 and ordered him to pay a £1,180 surcharge and £85 costs, bringing the total to £3,865.

A restraining order was also imposed, banning him from contacting the victim, visiting her address or entering any data relating to her on any electronic device.