Sussex Police announces the sentencing of Reece Chipperfield, who traveled from Devon to Sussex to vandalize a woman’s car. Chipperfield was found guilty of slashing the car tires, pouring red paint over the vehicle, and leaving a threatening note on the windscreen during his 460-mile round trip.
During the period between December 2021 and March 2022, Chipperfield maintained a professional working relationship with the victim, a former colleague at a hotel near Crawley. However, he developed an infatuation with her, leading to unwelcome actions such as sending unwanted gifts, contacting her work colleagues without consent, and sending unsolicited text messages.
On 6 April 2022, the victim firmly requested that Chipperfield cease his inappropriate behavior. The hotel’s name is intentionally withheld to prioritise the protection of the victim’s identity.
Merely four days later, Chipperfield drove from his residence in Thurlestone, Devon to the hotel in Sussex in his black Vauxhall Corsa. He waited for the woman to arrive for work, where he proceeded to slash three tires, pour red paint over her vehicle, and leave a handwritten threatening note on the windscreen. After committing the act, he returned to his address. The entire journey is estimated to have taken approximately eight hours.
On 11 April 2022, the 28-year-old was arrested with the assistance of Devon and Cornwall Police. While on bail, he violated the conditions by repeatedly sending unwanted cards to the complainant. Consequently, Sussex Police obtained an interim Stalking Protection Order to ensure the victim’s safety while gathering further evidence.
On 7 October 2022, the hotel staff reported the receipt of an additional threatening letter addressed to the woman. Sussex Police undertook extensive efforts to locate the suspect, resulting in his re-arrest on 10 October 2022.
Two officers from Crawley CID traveled to Torquay in Devon to interview Chipperfield. Subsequently, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized charges of stalking involving fear of violence, criminal damage, and witness intimidation.
Chipperfield pleaded guilty to all charges and was remanded in custody pending sentencing. On 18 May, at Lewes Crown Court, he received a 14-month prison sentence. Due to his time served on remand for the previous seven months, the court ordered his release.
Furthermore, Chipperfield was issued an indefinite restraining order against the woman to ensure her continued safety.
