Beautician admits stalking and attacking her ex after break-up - here's what she subjected him to

Shola DeHavilland, 20, crept up her estranged former partner’s drive at night before letting the tyres on his car down – and calling him to say she had overdosed.

The ex leapt behind the wheel and drove off – but almost crashed because of the flat tyres, Blackpool Magistrates’ Court was told.

“She did not realise what she was doing – stalking – was a criminal offence,” defence lawyer Patrick Nelligan argued.

“It has been a difficult lockdown. Her boyfriend shunned her and she wanted to get his attention back – but he clearly doesn’t want that.”

Nail technician DeHavilland, who lives with her parents in Tanners Way, Ansdell, and runs her own business, admitted stalking her ex, whom The Gazette is not naming, as well as attacking him.

She was given an 18-month community order with 15 rehab days.

She must also pay £180 costs and complete 200 hours’ unpaid work, and was slapped with a two-year restraining order.

Prosecutor Scott Parker said the pair were in a relationship until it was ended by the boyfriend late last year.

DeHavilland continued to call and text, however, and would hang around outside the ex’s South Shore home and turn up at his work despite being asked to leave him alone, the court was told.

Mr Parker said: “CCTV shows her turning up at his home at night and crawling down his driveway and deflating his tyres.

"She then rang him to say she had overdosed. He got into his car and drove and, because his tyres were down, nearly crashed.

“He says in a statement her behaviour began to escalate and he videoed her driving up to the front of his car and start banging on the window.

“He had to drive to the motorway to escape from her.”

DeHavilland also removed her victim’s registration plate and grabbed him, which led the assault charge.

In a victim impact statement, the ex said: “This has affected me in many ways.

“I have suffered stress and depression. I burst into tears and need to seek help. I have lost friends because she pesters them about me.”

The National Stalking Helpline can be called on 0808 802 0300.

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