Billy Griffiths, 28, of Ship Leopard Street, Portsmouth, has been sentenced to 20 months imprisonment after admitting to stalking his ex-partner between September 2019 and November 2020. Griffiths denied charges of controlling behaviour, carrying a bladed weapon in public, and burglary.
On 30 September 2020, Griffiths escalated his harassment by smashing the windows of his former partner’s home in Paulsgrove and slashing her car tyres. This followed six months of relentless daily phone calls and threatening texts from withheld numbers, amounting to sustained harassment.
In a particularly disturbing incident on the night of 27 October 2020, Griffiths posted butter laced with glass shards and antifreeze through the victim’s front door. The victim’s dog attempted to eat the toxic substance and required emergency veterinary treatment.
Later that same evening, Griffiths returned with a group of others, banging on the door and intimidating the victim. On 7 November 2020, he admitted to trespassing into her home while she was out and stealing several electrical items, which the victim confirmed were missing.
Alongside his prison sentence, Griffiths is subject to a restraining order that prohibits him from contacting the victim or approaching her home.
Detective Constable Lauren Howard, the investigating officer, said: “Griffiths’ prolonged conduct caused the victim considerable distress and anguish. Stalking is a crime of obsession and persistence. It isolates and devastates victims.”
She added: “We take these cases seriously and urge any victim of harassment or stalking to report it. Support is available and we work closely with partners through Hampshire’s multi-agency Stalking Clinic to stop offenders and protect victims.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
