Curtis Pring, 34, of Talbot Green, has been sentenced for defrauding his partner of £5,874 and stalking her after their relationship ended. The offences occurred between 2023 and 2024.
Fraudulent home improvement scheme
In 2023, Pring offered to assist his partner with home improvements. She gave him £5,874 to buy materials, but he either did not purchase the items or bought cheaper alternatives she had not requested. Cardiff Crown Court heard that Pring had been in an on-again, off-again relationship with the victim.
Stalking campaign after breakup
The relationship ended in 2024, and Pring's behaviour escalated in July that year. He began by ordering a Taco Bell delivery to her address, messaging: 'Hope you're hungry, food is on the way.' The next day, he sent money for a pizza, but she cancelled the order and blocked him. Despite this, Pring continued to contact her via email, saying: 'I've been told you were meeting someone else... If you have I'd rather you say.' She told him to leave her alone.
On July 17, 2024, Pring texted asking to 'talk through it' and sent a letter saying: 'Please can we talk about everything with no arguing? Just open and honest with no judgement towards each other?' He sent a four-page letter and 26 emails, alternating between begging for her return and 'destroying her character,' the court heard.
Pring also sent a message through a cake and brownie company, claiming they knew him and that 'everything said about him was a lie.' The victim believed this was sent by the defendant. He asked if she had called the police and if her 'ex had texted back.' In one message, he wrote: 'I don't know why you're doing what you're doing. I've done everything I said I would do and you've taken it too far. I'm going to do the same as what you've done to me.'
Surveillance and fear
Pring was seen by neighbours sitting in his Vauxhall Astra near the victim's home. She became so concerned that she altered her work schedule, asked her stepfather to pick her up, and bought a Ring doorbell camera. He also called her repeatedly and asked a neighbour to post a letter through her door.
Victim impact statement
In a victim personal statement read to the court, the woman said: 'For a prolonged period I was subjected to stalking and fraud. It's had a significant effect on my life at the time of the offences and continues to the present day. I placed trust in the defendant and the fact he was able to lie and manipulate has had a profound effect on me. It's altered the way I see relationships and my personal safety. It's caused me harm emotionally and financially. I feel anxious, unsafe and distressed whenever I receive an unknown message, phone call or email. I have the feeling I may be being followed. It continues to impact me, my sense of safety and my emotional wellbeing. It's changed the way I see other people, my surroundings and my sense of security.'
Sentencing
In mitigation, Laurence Jones said his client had a previous conviction from 2017 when he was a 'much younger man.' He said the stalking offence stemmed from Pring's inability to let go of the relationship, but he now has a new partner and works in construction. Recorder Greg Bull KC sentenced Pring to a total of 15 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement and pay compensation of £5,874.
