A father who engaged in alarming and menacing behavior towards his former partner, including unlawfully entering her residence, defiling her belongings, and causing significant damage, has been spared a prison sentence. Marcus Sprawling’s relentless harassment towards the woman involved destructive acts such as damaging her property and causing her distress. Despite warnings and the implementation of security measures, his actions persisted and grew more severe, leaving the victim in a state of fear and vulnerability.
Initially denying any misconduct, Sprawling eventually admitted to the charge of stalking after the woman’s testimony was imminent. The court learned that the couple, who were once in a relationship and coworkers, separated after eight months of dating. Despite returning his key, Sprawling continued to access the woman’s home using a spare key, leading to multiple incidents of property destruction.
The victim endured repeated instances of damage to her home, with Sprawling’s actions causing her significant distress and anxiety. Even after changing the locks to prevent further damage, the harassment continued through unwanted gifts and persistent presence around the victim’s residence. The victim reported feeling unsafe and traumatized, leading to increased security measures being installed to protect herself.
Sprawling, a roofer with no prior criminal record, demonstrated remorse and efforts to turn his life around by abstaining from alcohol, getting married, and focusing on his family. Despite acknowledging his positive changes, the judge emphasized the severity of Sprawling’s actions and the lasting impact they had on the victim. However, considering his remorse, lack of reoffending, and positive lifestyle changes, the judge decided to suspend a two-year prison sentence for two years. Additionally, Sprawling was ordered to perform unpaid work, pay compensation, and adhere to a restraining order for ten years.