Jilted Woman Ordered to Pay £10,000 for Harassment Campaign

A court has ordered a woman to pay over £10,000 in damages following a harassment campaign against her ex-partner. Joanne Butler, 56, engaged in troubling behavior, including damaging her ex’s vehicles and stalking him on dates. The North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard that this harassment lasted from March to October 2023.

The prosecution, led by Julia Fox, detailed how Butler’s actions stemmed from a tumultuous relationship that ended when her partner sought to move on. Butler reportedly caused approximately £8,300 worth of damage to a BMW and around £2,000 to a Citroen van. Her actions not only involved property damage but also led to increased insurance costs for the victim, which will affect him for multiple years.

Butler’s harassment involved more than just vandalism. She followed her ex during his dates and even sent him photos of the inside of his home. According to Fox, Butler’s harassment included a calculated decision to approach the rear of his property, particularly when she noticed he had guests. This behavior prompted the victim to install security cameras to protect his home, further adding to his stress.

In court, Butler represented herself and pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damage and harassment. During the proceedings, she displayed signs of defiance, rolling her eyes and scoffing as the prosecutor outlined the case against her. Despite her attempts to justify her actions, she acknowledged the charges and expressed feelings of being mistreated herself.

Butler claimed that the victim had asked her to travel with him after their relationship ended, suggesting that he was not fearful of her actions. However, the court reminded her that the case focused solely on her behavior. Ultimately, magistrates sentenced Butler to a 12-month community order, which includes 15 rehabilitation days and 270 hours of unpaid work, in addition to the financial compensation.

A victim impact statement revealed the toll of Butler’s actions on her ex-partner, who reported increased insurance premiums and significant emotional distress. He commented, “Overall, the experience has caused me financial loss, alongside stress, anxiety, and the inconvenience of being harassed.”

The court issued an 18-month restraining order against Butler, ensuring that she cannot contact her ex-partner or approach him in the future. This case highlights the serious implications of harassment and the need for legal recourse in such situations.