Stalker climbed up drainpipe to break into ex’s house

Anthony Beardmore was handed 16 weeks behind bars on Friday, November 5, after admitting stalking, assault and criminal damage.

Warrington Magistrates Court heard that the 28-year-old and his former partner had been having ‘disagreements over child contact’ leading up to the incident on Saturday, September 18.

He had made ‘numerous unsuccessful attempts to contact her’ before attending her home in Warrington, climbing up the drainpipe – causing it to be damaged – and gaining access through an open bathroom window.

The victim, who was in bed with the youngster, first became aware of Beardmore’s presence when he entered the bedroom.

A ‘struggle ensued’, during which the defendant grabbed her arm – although no injury was caused.

He was arrested when police attended the scene, but was later released on bail on the condition that he did not contact her again.

But two weeks later Beardmore, of Wigan, subsequently attended the address on Saturday, October 2 – throwing items at her window, shouting, ‘constantly’ calling the intercom and banging on the front door while ‘screaming to be let in’.

Magistrates also heard that he had previously breached a non-molestation order in relation to the complainant in February this year.

Sentencing, panel chairman Ian Williams said: “The bench has taken a very serious view of these matters.

“We have taken into account the fact that you forced entry, by climbing up a drain pipe, to the victim’s house.

“To say the least, she was alarmed and surprised when you appeared at her bedroom door.

“You have previous offences against the same victim and you and some of these offences were committed while on bail.

“Taking everything into account, we find that this has passed the custody threshold and we see no reason to suspend the sentence.”

Beardmore was also handed a restraining order preventing him from contacting his ex for five years and told to pay a £128 victim surcharge.