A domestic abuser has been jailed after stalking a woman over a nine-month period.
Lee Coombes caused his victim serious alarm and distress by harassing her on social media and by phone – making threats and releasing private information about her.
The 33-year-old, of Sandleaze in Worton, near Devizes, pleaded guilty to stalking and harassment, and was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on Monday (26 Feburary).
Coombes, who has previously been convicted of numerous domestic abuse offences, carried out the offending between 15 February 2023 and 5 October 2023.
In a statement read out to court, his victim said: “I was put in extreme fear for months on end.
“I couldn’t complete the simplest of tasks out of fear that I would see him again. I was always worried that he would find out where I was and if he was to do this then he would hurt me, my family or friends.
“I wouldn’t wish this upon anyone and I have never felt so mentally drained and unwell.”
Coombes was handed a two-year prison sentence and he was ordered to pay a surcharge of £187.
PC Jay Clifford, investigating officer said: “Coombes was relentless at trying to contact his victim via phone calls and email for around a year. On one particular day she received nearly a hundred calls from him.
“When Coombes knew we had been contacted he went on the run and was outstanding for around seven months before he was found hiding in a family member’s home.
“I would like to thank his victim for her bravery in coming forward and her strength throughout this investigation. Stalking is a crime which has a huge effect on those experiencing it.
“Wiltshire Police take this very seriously and we will respond robustly to reports of fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behaviour which intrusively impacts upon people’s lives.
“If you think that you might be experiencing stalking, or know someone who is, I would urge you to report it to the police so that positive action can be taken. You can also get support and advice from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300.”
