2 days ago
Man JAILED for repeatedly harassing ex-partner despite restraining order
An Isle of Wight man has been jailed for repeatedly harassing his ex-partner – despite an active restraining order.
Liam Trott, 32, of Grange Road in Shanklin, appeared at the IW Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday, August 5, after previously admitting two counts of breaching a restraining order.
The latest offences, which occurred on June 11, came just four months after Trott received a suspended 14-month prison sentence for breaching the same restraining order.
That sentence, handed down on February 7, had been suspended for two years.
Liam Trott's police custody image (Image: Hampshire and IW Constabulary)
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Prosecutor Casey Chard said Trott's former partner was at her home preparing to go to the shops with her children and a friend on the day of the offence.
As they sat in the car, Trott approached, preventing them from leaving, blocking the vehicle and told them he would jump on the car if they tried to drive off, the court heard.
Mr Chard said that during the confrontation, which happened in the presence of their young daughter, Trott demanded his ex-partner get the restraining order removed.
Trott then leaned into the vehicle and kissed her, saying he would 'wait for her,' Mr Chard added.
In a victim impact statement, Trott's former partner described feeling unsafe in her own home and 'a nervous wreck.'
She said she is embarrassed to speak to neighbours and lives in fear, not knowing where Trott might be.
The court heard Trott had previously breached the same restraining order on multiple occasions.
Defending, Jonathan Underhill said his client had already been in custody since his last court date on June 14 at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court.
Mr Underhill told the court Trott 'struggles with the concept of authority' but had begun to understand that his concern about his daughter and issues with social services – said to be the reason behind the incident – did not justify breaching a court order.
'There is a degree of regret for his actions,' Mr Underhill said, adding that Trott, who was employed at a sandwich bar in Lake, still believed he had acted as any father would.
However, Judge William Ashworth rejected this reasoning, highlighting the repeated breaches and the emotional toll inflicted on his victim.
'This is your fourth proceeding in relation to your ex-partner,' the judge said.
'Your intention is not to give up, and she feels unsafe in her own home and is scared to leave.'
Judge Ashworth said Trott had caused 'very serious harm and distress."
Trott was jailed for 34 months.
