A COMEDIAN sent his ex-wife a series of letters and items declaring his love for her in breach of his restraining order.

The court heard that Charlie Hale, who is well known on the comedy circuit in Warrington, became ‘fixated’ on the woman to the point where his actions constituted stalking.

The 65-year-old, whose real name is Charles Hansen, even sent presents to a relative, as well as a bible and an 11-page letter to her, leading to her calling the police.

Hale was subsequently charged with and admitted stalking and breach of a restraining order, and he appeared to be sentenced at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Ashleigh Simpson, prosecuting, explained how his offending spanned a period of more than 18 months between January 1 last year and July 15 this year.

Hale has three previous convictions for four offences, the last of which occurred in January 2020 for assaulting the same victim, which gave rise to a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting her.

But he ‘persistently’ breached this order on a series of occasions during the ‘significant period of time’ in question.

In early 2021, the complainant received a CD in the post with a letter signed by the defendant, in which he said he was sorry and was a changed man.

The CD featured a song by The Carpenters which they used to listen to as a couple.

Then in autumn last year, a taxi driver knocked on the complainant’s front door with a letter from the defendant. She shut the door when she realised it was from him.

He also sent her letters in the post, one of which was 11 pages long, as well as a bible with a page folded over containing a religious love story, a religious cross and a plaque with the words ‘love never fails’ written on it.

In addition, he sent presents to a member of her family in the post, which she refused to accept after recognising his handwriting.

The court heard how a friend of Hale knocked on her door and asked her what she thought of his letter, causing the victim to become distressed and contact the police.

Charlie Hale was sentenced at Warrington Magistrates Court

Charlie Hale was sentenced at Warrington Magistrates' Court

An impact statement read out in court revealed how she believed he was ‘fixated’ on her and how she is fearful when someone pulls onto her driveway or when her phone rings.

She said she has changed aspects of her life as a result of his behaviour, such as only leaving her home at times he would not expect and leaving the job she has loved for the past 27 years.

The statement added that she struggles to sleep, concentrate or relax and that if he truly loves her he would leave her alone.

In his defence, Hale’s solicitor said that he is ‘very remorseful and ashamed’ and that he did not intend to cause his victim harm.

“This defendant, at the age of 65, is shocked and saddened to find himself in court,” she said.

“He spent three days in custody after his arrest, and that was a shocking situation for him.”

She added that there is ‘no chance’ of him making any further contact, describing the church pastor as a ‘good man who has done very stupid things’.

Before sentencing, district judge John McGarva said: “This was a sustained course of conduct.

“On the face of it, it might seem innocent, but it is plain to see the impact it had on the victim – she changed her life as a result of what you have done.

“Clearly you do need to do some work on understanding the impact of what you have done and to stop trying to rationalise it.”

Hale, of Whitchurch Walk in Padgate, was sentenced to a two-year community order including 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 80 hours of unpaid work and the Building Better Relationships programme.

He must also pay £180 in costs and a surcharge to fund victim services and abide by a restraining order not to approach or contact his victim indefinitely.

District judge McGarva added: “If you breach this order again, you better watch out as I can see no other alternative than custody.”