GARETH NOLLER – LLANARMON YN LAL, FLINTSHIRE, WALES

Man Sentenced After Harassing Former Partner and Entering Her Home Without Consent

A 36-year-old man has been sentenced after repeatedly harassing his former partner and entering her home without permission.

Gareth Noller, of Llanarmon Yn Ial near Mold, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates’ Court for sentencing after being found guilty of one offence of harassment without violence.

The court heard that the man had been in an on-and-off relationship with the woman between January 2018 and July 2022. Following a holiday in 2019, the relationship deteriorated, with his behaviour becoming increasingly controlling and argumentative.

In January 2023, the woman told him to leave her alone, which he did for a short period. However, the situation escalated again later that year.

On Friday, April 21, he sent repeated messages throughout the day asking what she was doing and demanding to see her. Some of the messages were described as abusive. That night, at around 11.30pm, he arrived uninvited at her home and attempted to let himself inside. He appeared intoxicated and was seen talking to himself before briefly returning to his vehicle.

Despite this, he returned to the property in the early hours and managed to gain access while the woman was asleep. He entered her bedroom, sat on the bed, and attempted to speak to her. Despite repeated requests to leave, he refused and followed her around the house.

After eventually leaving, he continued to send a series of rambling emails before driving away. The woman later reported the incident to police, explaining that his behaviour had left her emotionally worn down and distressed.

Magistrates were told the offending took place within a domestic context and that entering a former partner’s home without consent would have been frightening. While the relationship was described as highly toxic over a number of years, the court made clear this did not excuse the conduct.

A probation report stated that the defendant accepted the relationship had been dysfunctional and unhealthy, but struggled to fully understand the impact of his behaviour, which had caused fear rather than reassurance.

The court imposed an 18-month community order, requiring him to complete 33 sessions of an accredited programme and 15 rehabilitation activity days. He was also ordered to pay a £350 fine, £640 in costs, and a £114 victim surcharge.

Magistrates emphasised that entering the property and refusing to leave constituted harassment, regardless of the history between the parties.