Ballroom dancer cleared of stalking his former partner
ABALLROOM dancer accused of stalking his former dancefloor partner has been found not guilty.
Lee Donnelly, from Rochdale, was acquitted of the offence by magistrates.
He was accused of bombarding his former dancefloor partner with texts, flowers and cards after they split up. Mr Donnelly, 36, denied the claim.
The hearing at Tameside magistrates court last month heard that the complainant received numerous messages on WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram from Mr Donnelly after she moved out following an argument on their way home from an awards event.
The court heard the woman moved in briefly with a neighbour before temporarily rekindling her relationship with Mr Donnelly after he apologised. Magistrates were told the woman then ended the romance for good a week later and moved in with her grandparents.
Mr Donnelly denied wrongdoing and told the trial: “[We] formed a very good bond between us. It was a good relationship and we spent many times at the dance studio.
“We had some tit-fortats at the dance school, which caused small problems at home. I thought about having a child with her and getting married – happily ever after. This one felt right.’’
Recalling the night of the split, Mr Donnell told magistrates: “I was distraught with myself with how I spoke to her. I was trying to fight for [her]. I was not abusive towards her in messages.
“I was sad. I did everything on reason to show my depth of feeling for her. I just wanted to sort it out and fix things. I wanted my life [with her]. I’ve tried to be an adult about this.’’
Mr Donnelly was found not guilty of one count of stalking without fear, alarm or distress.