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Kevin Reid, 65, left her notes and flowers as he was jealous of his ex-wife’s new partner who he described as ‘a really good friend and long-term rugby teammate.’ A court heard how the terrified victim ‘changed the way she lived’ following the harassment. Reid of Cattistock Road, Maiden Newton, is charged with harassment - put in fear of violence and has been sentenced to a 12-month community order and must complete 35 rehabilitation requirement days, as well as having to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work in the community.
A restraining order has also been issued for three years stating he must not contact his ex-partner or attend the road that she lives on. He must further pay a total of £514, which is made up of £400 in costs and a surcharge of £114. Laura Lohk, prosecuting, said: “The defendant and the victim were married for approximately 20 years and have two children together.
They divorced in 2022. “Between 2022 and 2024 the defendant has persistently sent messages and called her and given her the impression he has been tracking her movements.” The court heard how the victim would later go on to find an Apple Air Tag tracking device planted in the boot of her car.
Ms Lohk said: “The defendant has noted that he hates her new partner. “The defendant has tried preventing the victim from seeing her new partner. Stating that he doesn't want the children in his presence.
” Ms Lohk told the court that Reid ‘attended the victim’s home and left flowers and sometimes attended when she wasn't there,’ which left her feeling ‘intimidated and scared.’ The court also heard that the defendant would ‘leave a note on the victim’s car when she is at a party with her new partner.’ On other occasions, Ms Lohk explained, Reid would ‘sends various messages and love letters,’ as well as ‘notes he will commit suicide.
’ Ms Lohk added: “[The victim] leaves her house to go to her mothers and sees the defendant follow them in his car. “She feels anxious, scared and intimidated. She just wants it to stop and to feel safe in her own home.
“She has changed her day-to-day activities and has been switching her phone off when meeting friends which is something that she doesn't want to do just in case her children want to get hold of her but she feels she has no options.” Patricia Sheehan, Mitigating said: “As the crown say, this is behaviour in 2023. Things have considerably moved on; this behaviour is well and truly in the past.
“This is a new partner who Mr Reid described was a really good friend and long-term rugby teammate. “People don’t always behave well when marriages break down. This is a man who has lost his good character and lost his good standing in his community – that has been a tremendous punishment.
” READ MORE: Dorset: Kevin Reid pleads guilty to harassing former wife Chairman of the magistrates’ bench Stephen Corben said: “We have listened very carefully and read all the reports. We paid particular attention to probation and Ms Sheehan and we are going to follow the recommendations of the report. “For the offence of harassment, we believe that it is serious enough for a community order.
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