A 61-year-old Conservative Party member has described his persistent pursuit of former MP Dame Penny Mordaunt as "completely harmless" despite the politician's fears she might become a victim of sexual violence.
The Stalking Allegations
Edward Brandt faces stalking charges for his actions between 2023 and 2024 against the former Conservative leadership candidate. Southampton Crown Court heard how Brandt sent multiple emails and phone messages to Ms Mordaunt while also appearing at her Portsmouth office outside working hours in attempts to meet her.
The court learned that Dame Penny felt genuinely frightened by what she described as the defendant's "creepy" behaviour, specifically fearing potential sexual violence. The situation escalated to the point where security intervention became necessary.
Security Breach and Failed Compliance
In one particularly concerning incident on December 16, 2023, Brandt pushed through a security gate at Lakeside business park in Portsmouth where Dame Penny maintained her constituency office. Security officer Neil Tombs testified that he saw Brandt scanning company lists before forcing his way through the barrier, triggering an alarm.
"After I shouted 'Oi, stop' and I started running, he wasn't far from any office," Mr Tombs told the court. "He started asking me questions about Penny Mordaunt, that's when I realised her office wasn't that far away."
Brandt was initially arrested on March 24, 2024 and received a conditional caution on April 19, 2024, which explicitly required him not to contact Dame Penny. However, he breached this agreement by leaving two voicemail messages for her on May 6 and 11, 2024.
Defendant's Controversial Defence
In police interviews following his arrest on May 12, 2024, Brandt insisted his actions were misunderstood. "I am not about to commit sexual violence or stalk or sit on her doorstep," he stated. "It is totally harmless."
One of his voicemails contained the concerning statement: "I am going to go on gently knocking at your door in order to shake your hand, I am not giving up."
Brandt described the legal response as "an almighty sledgehammer to crack a little nut" and maintained he simply wanted to "set the record straight." He claimed his interest was "purely political, purely congratulatory" and that he wanted a signed copy of her book.
"Everything she said in that statement was wholly wholly inaccurate," Brandt told police. "I just want to explain to her what she said was completely untrue, no malice whatsoever, it's completely harmless, friendly, congratulatory."
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Trial
The court heard that Brandt failed to comply with other terms of his conditional caution, including completing a victim awareness course. This led to an interim stalking protection order being issued against him at Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on July 16, 2024.
Brandt remains a Conservative Party member despite the serious allegations against him. The trial continues at Southampton Crown Court as prosecutors present their case about behaviour that left a prominent politician fearing for her safety.
