Brendan Robb was banned from entering the town following previous convictions related to domestic abuse but was caught on camera walking near the victim’s home.

Robb had been made the subject of a stalking protection order in April 2022, following a hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court. The order was to last 10 years and contained a raft of strict measures to prevent him from contacting the victim. It included an exclusion zone which prohibited him from travelling anywhere in Swanley.

On 20 April 2023, the victim was driving with children when she suddenly recognised Robb walking along Northview, Swanley. He was trying to conceal his features by wearing a baseball cap, hooded top and camouflaged face mask but was recognisable from a distinctive gait linked to a previous leg injury.

A photo of Robb was taken on a mobile phone, they ducked behind a car before running away. He was then seen by another witness to pull his mask down and reveal his face.

On the following day, Robb was arrested in Tunbridge Wells wearing the same distinctive patterned mask. He was charged with breaching a stalking order and remanded by the courts into custody. Robb, 35, of Steyning Grove, Eltham, London pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court. He was sentenced on Thursday 25 April 2024, to two years and three months’ imprisonment.

Detective Constable Paul Wells, of the West Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team, said: ‘Robb had previously subjected his victim to persistent physical and psychological abuse and his contempt for the restrictions contained within the stalking prevention order has caused even further distress, fear and anxiety. Stalking can have a devastating effect on victims’ lives and can be incredibly frightening but as this case hopefully shows, we remain committed to protecting victims and ensuring offenders are swiftly brought before the courts.

‘I would also like to remind people there is a wealth of support on offer to anyone subjected to this kind of abuse. No one needs to suffer in silence, and I would encourage anyone to report any concerns they may have to us. We also work with a number of other organisations to offer support to victims so they can feel safe again.’