A convicted stalker has been sentenced after waging a campaign of terror against his former partner, which culminated in him trashing her home and vandalising her car in a brazen breach of a restraining order.
Lee Butterfield, 36, turned up at his victim's home in West Yorkshire while she was out, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. The court heard how he smashed a window to gain entry before systematically ransacking the property.
The extent of the damage was horrifying:
- Personal belongings and furniture were destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
- The victim's car was extensively vandalised, with tyres slashed and windows smashed.
- The invasion left the home in an uninhabitable state, causing immense emotional distress.
This shocking incident was the climax of a prolonged period of stalking and harassment that had already seen Butterfield convicted and made subject of a restraining order designed to protect the victim.
Appearing at Leeds Crown Court, Butterfield was sentenced for his crimes. The judge emphasised the severe psychological impact such calculated harassment has on victims, who are left feeling unsafe in their own homes.
This case highlights the terrifying reality of stalking and the challenges of enforcing restraining orders, raising serious questions about the protection offered to victims of persistent domestic abuse.
