Obsessive ex-boyfriend jailed for ‘sinister’ plot to spy on his lover
A “JEALOUS and obsessive” exboyfriend who spied on his lover in a “sinister” plot during which he hid two listening devices in her home has been jailed.
Wayne Bamford, 47, refused to accept his nine-month relationship with Joanna Dawson, 42, was over and launched a “highly sophisticated” covert operation to spy on her, a court heard.
Bamford was able to phone into the devices which then provided a live feed to enable him to hear what was happening in the mother-of-one’s house.
Over 15 days from March 1 to March 16, 2017, Bamford connected to the devices at least 1,600 times, a court heard.
But Bamford’s surveillance was foiled after Miss Dawson sought advice from a surveillance spy shop when her suspicions were aroused.
Bamford pleaded guilty in September to stalking causing serious alarm or distress.
Prosecuting, Anthony Moore previously told the court the pair began a relationship in May 2016 and started an accident management business together six months later. But the relationship ended in January 2017.
Yesterday, Recorder Anthony Hawks said: “You became possessive and controlling. Checking her whereabouts, her phone and who she was with.
“You used abusive language and even decided what clothes she could wear.
“Your behaviour deteriorated until Miss Dawson asked you to leave. You returned a week later and accused her of having an affair.”
Sentencing Bamford to three and a half years, Mr Hawks said: “The impact this has had on Joanna Dawson, in reality, has ruined her life for the foreseeable future.”
Speaking previously, Miss Dawson said: “The way I live my life will never be the same again. I still can’t relax in my own home. I’m constantly worried about my email, phone and social media accounts being hacked. I don’t even go out on foot on my own or to parks as I used to with my son.”