Man jailed for stalking former partner

A stalker was yesterday jailed for 16 months after harassing his former partner from behind bars, entering her home while she was out and falling asleep inside and repeatedly quizzing her about her sex life.

Dennis Cox was convicted of a three-month campaign of harassment against Cara McLean.

Cox repeatedly turned up at Miss McLean’s home in Dundee – on one occasion getting into the property uninvited while she was out and then falling asleep.

On other occasions between June and October last year he repeatedly banged on the doors and windows of her house and repeatedly shouted and acted in an aggressive manner towards her.

While in jail he repeatedly made phone calls to her, despite being asked to cease contact – and while out repeatedly sent her texts and turned up at her workplace.

When he did speak to her he threatened her with violence and quizzed her extensively about her sex life.

She eventually reported Cox’s campaign of harassment to police last year and he was charged with stalking.

Cox, 30, a prisoner at Perth, denied a charge of stalking on indictment at Dundee Sheriff Court.

However, a jury found him guilty following a two-day trial.

Cox was on two separate bail orders at the time of the offences.

Sheriff Simon Collins jailed Cox for 16 months.

He said: “The charge covers a period of around three months and includes a range of conduct towards the complainer.

“For around half of that period he was in prison.

“He has a long and varied record of offending and there is no alternative to a custodial sentence.”

Dennis Cox was jailed for 16 months.