Drug addict ex threatened Lincoln woman for money

A drug addict who turned up daily at his ex’s home threatening her and demanding cash has been jailed after admitting a charge of harassment.

Johnathan Mallard’s relationship with Sarah Fagan ended due to his drug use and he became homeless.

Abigail Joyce, prosecuting, told Lincoln Crown Court that Mallard then called at Ms Fagan’s in Gibbeson Street, Lincoln, asking to borrow money.

Miss Joyce said that Mallard was verbally aggressive towards Ms Fagan and threatened to smash up her home unless he was given money.

“After Sarah Fagan ended the relationship he turned up at the house every day demanding money.”

Miss Joyce said that Ms Fagan was intimidated into handing over cash or giving him her bank card when he appeared at her home. In total she gave him over £250 in less than a fortnight leaving her so short of money she could not afford to buy food and other necessities.

“He would walk into her house without asking. On occasions he would intimidate her and threaten to hurt her if she did not give him money. There has been significant psychological harm caused to the victim and very serious distress caused to her, ” said Miss Joyce.

Ms Fagan complained to police but when Mallard was interviewed he claimed he went back to Ms Fagan’s house to ask for money as she controlled their finances. He denied making any threats to damage the property.

Mallard, 31, of no fixed address, admitted a charge of harassment relating to incidents between 10 and 24 July 2018.

He was given a six month jail sentence to run consecutively with a 24 week jail sentence he is already serving for unconnected offences of shoplifting and breach of a suspended jail sentence. He was also given a five year restraining order banning him from contacting Ms Fagan and from visiting Gibbeson Street.

Judge Steven Coupland, passing sentence, told him “What you did was selfish, intimidating and persistent. Behaviour like that is corrosive.

“You are described as being a high risk of re-offending. Until you get a handle on your drug addiction that is going to be the case.

“Plainly only a custodial sentence is appropriate to reflect this type of behaviour against your partner.”

David Eager, in mitigation, said “A nine year relationship broke down and the defendant became homeless. Between 10 and 24 July last year he behaved abominably.”

He said that since being held in custody Mallard has sought help for his drug problem and hopes to be clear of heroin when he is released from his sentence.