Man who left victim 'living in fear' jailed

A man has been jailed for a string of offences which left his victim "living in fear of what he may do next."

James Stockwell admitted four counts of criminal damage at Salisbury Crown Court on Friday and was sentenced to 28 months in prison.

The charges related to incidents in which he threw bricks at the windows of his victim's home and her family's house. He also slashed the tyres on their vehicles.

The 32-year-old, of Friary Lane, Salisbury, also admitted a charge of dangerous driving after a police pursuit on the day of his arrest on 21 February ended with him crashing into a tree and fleeing the scene.

Sgt Megan Peroni, of Wiltshire Police, said: "Stockwell's string of offending was targeted and left his victim living in fear of what he may do next.

"When officers attended the scene of the criminal damage on February 21, enquiries led them to believe that Stockwell had fled towards Southampton along the A36 in a dark coloured BMW.

"When located, Stockwell drove off and was witnessed driving in a dangerous manner. His actions behind the wheel were extremely dangerous and showed a complete disregard for the safety of other road users."

Sgt Peroni continued: "During the pursuit he crossed solid white lines, drove through red traffic lights at speed and ignored road signs, putting members of the public at serious risk.

"It is sheer luck that nobody was seriously injured as a result of his reckless behaviour and desperate attempt to evade police."

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