A Hastings man who refused to accept his partner’s decision that their 11-year relationship was over, and entered her bedroom during the night after phoning her 54 times, has been sent to prison for stalking her, following a Sussex Police investigation.
Paul Kehoe, 42, now of Wilmington Square, Eastbourne, pleaded guilty at Hastings Magistrates Court on 28 June to stalking without violence, but only on the morning the trial was due to start.
He was given a 14-week prison sentence and a two-year Restraining Order prohibiting him from contacting his ex-partner and from being in Hastings or St Leonards.
On 14 May Kehoe entered the St Leonards flat of his ex-partner twice, uninvited, in the early hours of the morning and later on the same morning. She called the police and although he had left before officers arrived he was tracked down and arrested later the same day.
Detective Constable Ella Bigsby of the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said: “Kehoe’s unpleasant conduct was also fixated, unwanted and repeated, and he has now faced the consequences.”
“His victim was made anxious and felt very vulnerable due to his behaviour, and we admire her resolution in being prepared to give evidence against him, which in the end was not necessary.”
Police will always seek to support anyone reporting stalking or harassment. If you have concerns contact the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
See the Sussex Police website for advice about stalking and harassment, and the sources of support that are available.
