A 45-year-old woman from Nuneaton has appeared in court after admitting to harassing her former partner and causing damage to her property.
Lisa-Marie Clark, of Chapel End, Nuneaton, was reported to have made repeated and unwelcome contact with her ex-girlfriend despite explicit instructions to cease communication. In addition, on 8 September last year, Clark caused criminal damage to the complainant’s door.
Clark pleaded guilty to charges of harassment without violence and criminal damage during her sentencing hearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 18 August.
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The court was informed that during a period when police bail prohibited her from contacting her ex-partner, Clark sent a birthday message, stating: “I’m risking to get nicked again just to say happy birthday.”
The victim described the impact of the harassment as deeply distressing, revealing she had begun therapy as a result. In a victim impact statement, she said: “The ordeal has caused me a great deal of anxiety. The two and a half years I was with her was horrific and has taken a huge toll on my mental health. The latest harassment and abuse have left me more affected than ever. I want this whole ordeal to be over. At every turn, I’m scared to leave my own home. I can’t keep being scared to look over my shoulder.”
Clark has prior convictions, including an assault on an emergency worker, and previously served a prison sentence following the activation of a suspended sentence.
The prosecution clarified that while the contact was persistent, it was not threatening or abusive in nature. The critical factor was Clark’s failure to comply with bail conditions prohibiting contact.
Clark’s defence acknowledged that she suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which contributed to the nature of her actions. Her solicitor stated, “The persistent nature of the offences is a hallmark of her condition. This is not offered as an excuse, but an explanation. She admitted to the conduct in court and interviews, although initially claiming the contact was reciprocal.”
He added that the prolonged relationship and the possibility of reconciliation influenced Clark’s behaviour, noting, “Two years is quite a significant period. Often, couples separate and reunite, and this was seen as an attempt to see if there was still hope.”
Clark received a 12-month community order, including 15 rehabilitation activity days. She was ordered to pay £214 in court costs, encompassing a £100 fine and a £114 victim surcharge.
Furthermore, a restraining order has been imposed to prevent any further contact with the complainant; the court deemed this measure necessary and proportionate.