Hertford stalker jailed

A Hertford man has been jailed for 14 weeks by magistrates after he stalked a former girlfriend and her new partner.

Timothy Irwin, aged 30, from Halleys Ridge, pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking and was handed 11-week and 14-week prison sentences - to run concurrently – as well as being fined £550 and given two four-year restraining orders. In addition, he was also ordered to serve an outstanding eight-week suspended sentence.

Irwin was in a relationship with the female victim for three weeks in 2019. After they split up, Irwin began stalking her and when she started a new relationship, he began stalking her new partner as well.

Irwin constantly contacted the victims, went to their homes and work places, and followed them. The investigation revealed that Irwin's vehicle had attended the area of one victim's home address 39 times in the space of seven days.

Investigator Jayne Atkin from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit said: Irwin's actions have had an immeasurable impact on the victim's life over the course of a number of months.

"During that time the victim lived on edge, rarely went out, changed her daily routine including her working hours and stopped using her local shops, in fear that Irwin would follow and harass her. No one should have to live like that.

"We were able to build a case against Irwin, demonstrating that his behaviour was persistent and unwelcome. In the end, he could no longer deny stalking both victims. I am pleased that the court recognised the harm he had caused and served him a custodial sentence, with lengthy restraining orders. I would like to thank both victims for their bravery and support for this investigation."