A STALKER made his ex-partner feel like a ‘prisoner’ in her own home.

Johnathan Dearn hounded the victim with WhatsApp messages and emails and even turned up uninvited at her home a number of times

Warrington Magistrates’ Court heard how the victim had to ‘change’ her life as a consequence of Dearn’s actions.

The 47-year-old of Grammar School Road, Latchford, appeared before the court for sentencing on Tuesday after being found guilty of stalking without fear, alarm or distress after trial.

Prosecuting, Natassia McAdam said that the offences took place between March 31 and May 8 this year.

She said that Dearn and the victim were a couple but broke up in April 2022.

This is when Dearn began ‘constantly messaging’ her on WhatsApp before he was blocked.

As a result, he began emailing the victim – often sending around 20 emails a day to which he received no response.

Ms McAdam read out some of the emails sent by Dearn to the court.

One said: “God I wish you would text, I have done nothing wrong.”

While another said: “Keep getting email bleeps but it isn’t you, lol.”

A victim personal impact statement from Dearn’s ex-partner revealed that as a result of his actions, she is now more cautious about where she goes and what she does and that she checks the locks and windows in her house.

She said she felt like a prisoner in her own home as a result of Dearn’s offending.

Dearn has two convictions for 14 offences.

Defending, Gary Schooler said: “It was a relationship that ended then developed into a friendship.

“For Mr Dearn, the line was blurred in the latter part of that friendship.”

Before sentencing, deputy District Judge Laura Nash said: “You were not in a position to accept that the relationship or friendship had come to an end.

“When you were blocked, it then reduced to 20 emails per day.

“You then attended her house on multiple occasions.

“You have led to her feeling unsafe in her own home as a result of the consequences of your actions.

“And as a result, she felt anxious in her own home which is really supposed to be her safe haven.

“Your views on the offences lacked insight and at most, you sought to minimise the conduct.

“She had to change her life as a consequence of what you have done.”

Dearn received an 18-month community order and must complete up to 35 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He must also pay a £120 fine, pay £640 in court costs and a victim surcharge fee of £95.

And he is also subject to a two-year restraining order against the victim.