In a shocking display of stalking and vandalism, Marcus Sprawling, a father of three, left his ex-partner petrified after a campaign of intimidation that spared him prison time. Over three weeks, Sprawling repeatedly entered his ex’s home uninvited, smearing cat mess on her furniture and pouring bleach in her washing machine. He even smashed her TV, mirror, ornaments, and furniture, creating a nightmare for his former girlfriend who found herself living in constant fear.
Despite warnings and pleas to stop, Marcus continued his destructive behaviour, sneaking into her home using a spare key. At one point, her neighbour spotted him loitering outside her home. The situation was so distressing that she had to change her locks, and install an alarm and security cameras to feel a semblance of safety.
Although Marcus initially denied wrongdoing, he eventually admitted to the stalking charges, which spanned between October and November 2020. His ex detailed her anxiety and depression following these traumatic events, fearing he might appear at any moment.
Judge Oliver Saxby KC, despite acknowledging the severity of Marcus’s actions as “nasty, intimidating, and frightening,” chose to suspend a two-year jail sentence given his remorse, lack of previous convictions, and supposedly having turned over a new leaf. Marcus, now remarried and a father once more, received a two-year suspended sentence, mandatory unpaid work, and a restraining order lasting ten years.
This story serves as a chilling reminder of the impact domestic abuse can have and the enduring trauma for the victims involved. Let’s continue to support those who speak out and seek justice. 💔