'Fixated' Sunderland car salesman harassed ex-partner
A “fixated” Sunderland car salesman harassed his partner of a decade when she dumped him out of the blue when they returned from a holiday, a court heard.
Kevin Haswell, 47, sent her numerous text and WhatsApp messages in a bid to win her back but she blocked his approaches.
In desperation, Haswell, of Ronaldsay Close, Hollycarrside, also sent a message to her employer, prosecutor Sarah O’Neill said.
It added to the woman’s concerns about his behaviour between February 1 and May 31 and police were called.
At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, Haswell pleaded guilty to a charge of harassment without violence.
Ms O’Neill said: “They were in a relationship from 2015, and they moved in together. She would say that he was controlling during the relationship.
“After the split, he sent WhatsApp and text messages until she blocked him. He finally emailed her work email because she wasn’t responding.
“There were various messages and emails and two letters sent to her and Ring doorbell footage.
“It’s him fixated on her, being unable to accept the end of the relationship. He refused to accept that the relationship was over.
“There were 15 emails sent to her work address and there were text messages.
“He did make admissions in interview. He denied any controlling behaviour but did say he had sent messages.”
Ritchie Rodger, defending, said there had been no threats of violence.
He added: “It’s a very familiar story. These break-ups aren’t usually mutual, one makes a decision.
“He did send one message to her employer when he was at desperation stage, but that was it.”
Mr Rodger added: “They had just come back from a holiday and she said that she wanted the relationship to end. He found that very difficult.
“She clearly drew a line under it, he couldn’t accept that. He continued to contact her for a reconciliation.
“At one point he became so frustrated that he contacted her employer.
“He was drinking heavily but he tells me he doesn’t drink at all now. He is in poor physical health.”
Magistrates adjourned for an all-options report and Haswell will be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, October 6.
He was granted bail on condition he does not approach, contact or communicate with the woman and does not enter a named street.