Ex-partner of police czar sentenced

THE besotted ex-partner of Devon’s crime czar Alison Hernandez carried out a frightening campaign of harassment after she ended their abusive relationship.

Chartered surveyor Gil Winfield, 48, visited Ms Hernandez’s home, bombarded her with unwanted gifts, sent photos of himself and tried to follow her to political events in a doomed attempt to win her back.

She had ended their turbulent relationship after he twice assaulted her, Exeter Crown Court was told.

His relentless campaign of stalking included following her, pestering friends, and stuffing bunches of flowers through her door.

Ms Hernandez said she was so frightened of what he might do next that she was ‘always looking over my shoulder’.

Judge David Evans said Winfield had preyed on the fact Ms Hernandez would be caused professional embar- rassment if the details became public.

Winfield pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and one of stalking.

In a statement Ms Hernandez said: “Gil’s behaviour towards me had caused me to feel very harassed. I was always looking over my shoulder in a panic and worried Gil wouldn’t stop.”

She said she was forced to change her routine at work and removed her calendar of events from public view.

The defendant, of Cricketfield Road, Torquay, is of previous good character.

Stephen Nunn, defending, said his career was now in ruins. He now accepted his actions caused the victim to feel frightened and he should not have acted as he did.

He was sentenced to 15 months suspended for two years. Winfield was given 180 hours of unpaid work and a 10-year restraining order banning him from contacting Ms Hernandez.