A stalker who repeatedly turned up at his ex-partner’s address leaving her in fear has been jailed after police used surveillance tactics on him, catching him in the act.
Shayne Bradley, aged 41, admitted stalking the victim over a four month period, involving serious alarm or distress.
His unwanted behaviour included frequently being in the vicinity of her home, her friend’s address, repeated telephone calls and abusive emails.
Due to concerns with his escalating behaviour Gloucestershire Constabulary used surveillance as part of the investigation to witness this and secure evidence against him.
At Gloucester Crown Court today, Thursday 8 April, it was heard how Bradley also set up a fake dating profile in a way to contact her.
Over a period of months the victim saw him on numerous occasions in hedges near her home, driving by her house and parking nearby.
The incidents happened between 22 September last year and 29 January this year, when he repeatedly engaged in behaviour which amounted to stalking.
Bradley, of Vinnings Warehouse, The Docks, Gloucester had been arrested in October and later released on police bail with conditions not to contact the victim.
Days later he was made the subject of a non-molestation order, restricting access to the victim and witnesses in the case.
He was soon arrested again with more stringent conditions and an exclusion zone which included the alleyway behind and to the side of the victim’s address.
Evidence was secured which proved that he had driven to the edge of the exclusion zone, parked his car and approached the fence running behind the victim’s address.
Bradley, a former professional footballer, was arrested again and due to the evidence gathered was charged with the offence.
On 5 March this year he pleaded guilty to the stalking offence and today he was sentenced by Recorder James Bromige to two years and six months in custody, and handed a five-year restraining order. On release he will be put on licence.
Following today’s hearing the victim in the case, who said her life was “made hell” by his actions, has spoken about her ordeal to try and help give others confidence to ask for help.
She said: “We first met in September 2019 and he was a charmer and won me over, but he put himself on a pedestal and said my family and friends didn’t have my best interests at heart.
“Eventually his possessive nature began to shine through and it escalated from there. I tolerated his behaviour for a year on and off. I knew it was never going to work, but I did care for him which was always the hard part.
“I knew that when this would end it would not be an easy ride, but little did I know he would go to the extent he did.
“After all contact ended and I changed my number, that’s when he started following me and watching my house. Events that followed will stay with me forever.
“On the first occasion I’m aware of he followed me home from a friend’s house, and my life was made hell for the months which followed.
“He has always played the victim, lying and deflecting attention from himself. The lies he told about me were horrific and he ruined my life, so it is important that people know the real Shayne Bradley.
“I cannot thank Gloucestershire Constabulary enough for their time and patience, and for believing in me throughout this horrid situation.
“I was also supported by an Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker (ISAC), who never failed to be there in my time of need.
“Once the investigation began I knew I could not give in and that I had to follow this through to the bitter end.
“I don’t think he realises that his actions in the past few months have had a ripple effect on my life, my family and no doubt his family too.
“I have felt an overwhelming responsibility to put an end to his behaviour toward women. If I can help any other woman by making them aware of this man and his cold calculated behaviour then that is good enough for me.”
The investigating officer, Detective Constable Katie McGurk said: “These type of offences strike fear and lasting emotional and psychological damage and this has been emphasised by the victim personal statement bravely read out by the victim today.
“Having to change your everyday tasks and not feeling safe is horrific and something that will probably always stay with the victim. I hope that the result today will offer her some closure and that the restraining order provides her with some reassurance.
“During the investigation we worked with partner agencies including ISAC which respond robustly to these type of cases and can offer the victims further guidance and support throughout the investigation and beyond.
“Victims can be assured that these type of behaviours will not be tolerated in any circumstance.”
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Nutland said: “The relationship built up between DC McGurk and PC George and the victim meant she felt comfortable to report even the tiniest thing to us, which all helped build a picture of Bradley’s escalating and distressing behaviour.
“The officers were able to piece this all together, in a complex and thorough investigation which was to the highest standard. The time and compassion shown was exceptional and I am glad the victim felt supported and bravely continued to work with us throughout in order to achieve this outcome.
“I hope this case will help show stalking victims how seriously we treat these offences, and that they feel reassured to report their concerns to us.”
Joanne Pearce, a Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS South West, said: “Shayne Bradley demonstrated that he was an abusive man who refused to accept his relationship with the victim was over. We see cases time and time again where defendants are not allowing their ex-partners to move on with their lives.
“This obsessive behaviour is abuse, pure and simple. We hope that successful prosecutions like this will encourage stalking victims not to suffer in silence, and reassure them that the police and CPS take all such allegations extremely seriously.”
Always report stalking and harassment as soon as possible and tell other people what’s happening. You can report this online by visiting https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ or by calling 101. In an emergency always call 999.
If you’re not sure if you’re being stalked contact the National Stalking Helpline or 0808 802 0300.
