A 31-year-old Calne man who stalked his ex-girlfriend for more than five months left her feeling a “sense of immense fear”.
Nathan Hegerty admitted repeatedly turning up at her home address, her place of work and abused her in messages sent on social media.
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court today (23 December), he pleaded guilty to stalking his victim between 11 May and 21 October – a period of five months and 10 days.
Crown prosecutor Kate Prince said the defendant, of Carp Close, began harassing his ex-girlfriend after their short four-month relationship ended in early May.
His former partner told Hegerty she did not want any further contact, but her requests were ignored and he began a campaign of concerning behaviour.
On 12 May, he attended her home and an argument about his arrival ensued before he left. She again requested her stopped contacting her.
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In June, he visited her home numerous times – bringing flowers and becoming abusive when she refused to come to the door.
He’d then send her messages calling her an “absolute c**t” and other foul phrases.
Hegerty also attended her place of work, where she works as a carer. One on occasion he approached her whilst she was parked outside, and she told him to go away.
The defendant also created new Facebook profile in the name Nat Heg after his usual account was blocked by his victim. She told him to stop contacting her.
On one occasion in July, he was back outside her door once again. Hegerty sent her a message from his new Facebook account saying “answer the door”.
Ms Prince said his victim – who has a young child – was “constantly anxious” and would “panic when the door goes” because of her ex-boyfriend’s behaviour.
Adding that she had an “immense sense of fear about what he may say or do”, especially given message he sent about “payback” for the break-up.
Mark Glendenning, defending, asked for a pre-sentence report.
“He wants to be clear that he accepts he had repeated contact and some abusive messages. He wanted to try and say sorry for his previous actions”, he said.
Continuing, Mr Glendenning said: “He has spoken to his doctor and is now medicated for depression and anxiety and is seeking counselling around emotions and anger management.”
Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report. Hegerty will have to return for sentencing in February 2022.
He was released on bail with conditions not to contact his victim directly or indirectly and not to go to Bentley Close, Calne.
