Anglesey stalker left his ex a ‘shadow of her former self'
Mathew Thomas made repeated unwanted contact with Jenny Clarke, who said it had a 'scary' effect on her, after they split up in late 2023.
Thomas, 40, of Rhos Ellen, Gaerwen, was jailed for 14 months at Caernarfon Crown Court today (June 4), having previously admitted stalking.
Prosecutor Laura Knightly said Thomas and Ms Clarke began a relationship in August 2021, but this came to an end in December 2023.
He then stalked her between January and November of 2024, including by making repeated calls on withheld numbers, and sending her constant emails and WhatsApp messages.
Ms Clarke told him to stop contacting her but he continued to do so, telling her that he was a 'changed person' and that he 'wouldn't stop' until their relationship resumed.
In January 2024, he phoned Ms Clarke on an unknown number, asking: 'Who are you seeing?'
Then, in May, he sent her 'unsolicited amounts of money', before asking for it back shortly after.
More calls from an unknown number followed in June, while in July, he sent her flowers with a card which read: 'I love you x'.
Thomas then asked Ms Clarke why a male accepted delivery of the flowers.
He was arrested in late August, and was bailed on the condition that he did not contact Ms Clarke, but he breached this by sending her a follow request on a fitness application, and more WhatsApp messages.
Another arrest followed in November, with Thomas again giving a 'no comment' police interview.
In a statement, Ms Clarke said Thomas' actions had a 'scary' effect on her mental and physical health, and said she is now a 'shadow of her former self'.
Ms Clarke, who attended today's sentencing, added that she is 'constantly on edge', is 'terrified' of Thomas arriving at her home, and is 'paranoid' that he is watching her somehow.
Representing Thomas, who had 14 previous convictions for 24 offences, John Wyn Williams said he is remorseful for his behaviour.
Mr Wyn Williams said Thomas was 'devastated' by the relationship ending, but 'now realises that he reacted in the wrong way'.
He added that Thomas is a 'hard worker' who provides for his three children.
Sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts labelled Thomas' behaviour 'obsessive'.
Judge Petts told him: 'You wouldn't accept that the relationship was over. This has had a very sig impact on her, and not just at the time you were doing it.'
Thomas is to pay £500 in compensation, while a 10-year restraining order was made for Ms Clarke's protection.
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