Man Jailed for Breaching Restraining Order by Sending Fridge Freezer to Woman’s Home
In an unusual turn of events, a 53-year-old man named Benjamin Sergeant found himself behind bars after he breached a restraining order by sending a fridge freezer to a woman’s residence. This act of defiance came as a violation of the order, which explicitly prohibited him from having any contact with the woman. The victim, who remained unnamed, expressed how Sergeant had made her life a living hell with his persistent actions.
Sergeant had been previously issued a restraining order, lasting for a duration of two years, that forbade him from approaching or communicating with the victim. The order was put in place due to his repeated attempts at contacting her through various means such as texts and calls. Additionally, he was reported to have engaged in unsettling behaviour like rearranging objects in her garden, purchasing items for her, and even excessively waving at her through the window.
During a sentencing session at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, it was disclosed that on December 2 of the previous year, Sergeant had arranged for a fridge freezer to be delivered to the woman’s address from a shop in Hay-on-Wye, Powys. Pretending that he was buying the appliance for his girlfriend, he provided the victim’s address for the delivery. Consequently, the fridge freezer arrived at the woman’s home on January 3, raising suspicion and concern.
Upon receiving the appliance, the victim inquired about the sender to the delivery person, ultimately leading to the discovery of Sergeant’s involvement. The incident was promptly reported to the authorities, resulting in Sergeant being found guilty of breaching the restraining order that was in place to protect the victim from his unwanted advances.
Sergeant, a resident of Wyeside Gardens in Hay-on-Wye, admitted to the charges of harassment and breaching the restraining order. In a poignant victim impact statement read aloud in court, the woman detailed the distress she had endured over the past year and a half, asserting that Sergeant’s actions had significantly impacted her daily life.
The court was informed that Sergeant had a history of similar convictions, all revolving around breaches of restraining orders. It was revealed during mitigation that Sergeant had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was experiencing auditory hallucinations, which led him to misconstrue the nature of his actions. Despite his misguided belief that he was in a romantic relationship with the victim, the court acknowledged that his mental health condition was now stable.
In light of the evidence and the defendant’s repeated infractions, Recorder David Harris sentenced Sergeant to a term of 20 months in prison. Additionally, he was once again subjected to a restraining order to prevent any future contact with the victim or potential victims. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the harsh consequences that can follow the breach of court-ordered restrictions and the importance of respecting boundaries, especially in cases involving vulnerable individuals.