A Swansea man has been jailed after subjecting his former partner and her son to a relentless campaign of harassment that escalated into violence. Johnathan Price, 54, appeared before magistrates after admitting to charges that have left the victims deeply shaken and anxious about their safety.
The case, heard at Swansea Magistrates’ Court, centred on a disturbing period between 1 June and 22 July this year. During this time, Price repeatedly contacted his ex-partner in ways described as “unwanted” and “unsettling.” The court was told that his behaviour grew increasingly menacing, ultimately resulting in physical assaults against both the woman and her son.
According to South Wales Police, Price’s actions represented not only a breach of personal boundaries but also a significant risk to the wellbeing of the victims. “When his ex-partner reported his behaviour to police, Price pressured her to retract her statement and sent numerous messages urging her to do so,” a police spokesperson revealed. This tactic demonstrated an unnerving determination to avoid accountability and keep control over his former partner.
The court proceedings highlighted that the effects of Price’s campaign were profound. The woman reported feeling a persistent sense of fear, uncertain about if, or when, Price might reappear at her home. Such anxiety, the prosecution argued, points to the damaging and long-lasting impact stalking can have on victims and their families.
Price, who resides in the Hafod area of Swansea, ultimately pleaded guilty to charges of stalking and two counts of assault by beating. The magistrates recognised the gravity of his actions, as well as his history of offending, and described his behaviour as being “aggravated by his previous record and character.” Consequently, he was handed an eight-month prison sentence.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police further commented, “Johnathan Price conducted a campaign of stalking and harassment against his ex-partner which nobody should have to tolerate. The fact this escalated into violence demonstrates that he is a dangerous man.” The official emphasised the importance of taking reports of stalking seriously, noting that behaviour of this kind is not only distressing but potentially escalates to more serious offences.
Police have urged anyone experiencing stalking or harassment to come forward without delay. “Any form of stalking or harassment is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by police. Anyone who is experiencing this sort of behaviour should report it to us right away,” the force advised.
Cases such as this have cast a spotlight on the challenges faced by victims of stalking and the need for continued public awareness and robust law enforcement response. Campaigners have long highlighted that stalking is not simply an annoyance or invasion of privacy, but can herald far greater risks, particularly when offenders turn violent.
As Price begins his prison term, advocacy groups hope that the attention brought by such cases will encourage more victims to seek help and that perpetrators will be deterred from similar conduct. The message from the courts and police is clear: stalking and its related crimes will be dealt with firmly, with victims’ safety and peace of mind at the heart of those efforts.