A businessman from Teesside has admitted stalking his wife after planting a tracking device in her car to monitor her movements. Andrew Hunter, 44, pleaded guilty to a single charge of stalking at Teesside Magistrates' Court on December 1, following a campaign of surveillance between April 15 and June 6.
Prosecutor Lynne Dalton told the court that Hunter, who married his wife in 2012, became controlling as financial pressures mounted. He allegedly insulted and demeaned her daily, eroding her confidence. In January, his wife joined the dating site Plenty of Fish, where she began messaging another man. Hunter discovered this when she received a message while sitting next to him.
Dalton said Hunter placed a tracking device in the boot of her car to prove she was having an affair. He later tracked her to Stokesley, where she met the man, and sent multiple texts demanding her location. On another occasion, he tore open her handbag lining, claiming he had placed a listening device inside.
Defence solicitor Simon Walker argued that Hunter's actions were the result of a marriage breakdown, not criminal intent. He said Hunter bought the tracking devices online unaware they were illegal. Walker added that Hunter had never been in trouble before and was astonished the case reached court.
Magistrates adjourned sentencing for reports, warning Hunter that all options, including custody, remain open. He was granted unconditional bail until a later date.
