A Swindon man who left his ex-girlfriend ‘constantly fearful for her safety’ has been sentenced.
Plumber Liam Lumsdon, 34, embarked on a campaign of harassment against the mother of his child over the course of eight days in November last year.
Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard that the defendant, of Brunswick Street, Old Town, started becoming aggressive towards his then-girlfriend shortly after they began a relationship.
Later down the line, as more issues arose between the pair, the relationship was called off – but Lumsdon continued to harass her.
Wiltshire Police officers were forced to warn him about his behaviour but on 19 November, just days after a hearing about a non-molestation order, he followed her car in his van.
Keith Ballinger, prosecuting, said the incident left her “scared and intimidated” after he was spotted behind – swerving in and out of his lane, trying to get her attention.
She noticed her boss on the pavement and pulled over to confide in them – resulting in Lumsdon driving away. The victim stayed with them until she felt safe again.
But a few days later, he drove past her place of work in Devizes Road, making eye contact and “tapping on his wrist” whilst shaking his head and laughing. She took the gestures as a threat.
Moments later, he was spotted turning around and driving past a second time. On a third drive-by immediately afterwards, he shouted something along the lines of “you’re f**ked” and laughed.
In a statement, the victim said his offending has had a “huge impact” on her life, causing her to worry for her safety and avoid anywhere he may be at all costs.
She believes he “enjoys” making her feel scared, and said she is worried about future incidents.
Representing himself, Lumsdon said: “I would like to apologise for my actions”, adding that his offending was “after [she] stopped me seeing my daughter”.
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order, with ten rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was also fined £100 and told to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £95 surcharge.
A restraining order was not considered because a non-molestation order is active until April 2023.
