A Crowland man who admitted stalking and dangerous driving after going to his ex-partner’s work was given a suspended jail sentence.
Scott Fitzgerald, 41, was seen standing in his moving van and doing handbrake turns after being asked to leave the pharmacy where the woman was working in Crowland.
Lincoln Crown Court heard one member of the public was so concerned that he removed the keys from Fitzgerald’s van.
Fitzgerald had been in a long term relationship with the victim but ended it himself on January 2 this year.
The court heard Fitzgerald later changed his mind but was told by his ex-partner that she did not wish to resume the relationship.
Fitzgerald entered the pharmacy where the woman was working on January 11 and was told he was banned from the premises, the court was told.
He eventually left voluntarily and went to his van after initially telling staff that he would only leave if his ex-partner gave him a hug.
The court heard Fitzgerald was remanded into custody following the incident but continued to send letters to his ex-partner and her dog from custody.
They included references to getting married and having children together.
An impact statement from the victim was read out in court.
She described hiding in the dark at her home after the end of the relationship with Fitzgerald, and having to move to her parent’s home.
Fitzgerald, formerly of West Street, Crowland, admitted two charges of stalking and dangerous driving.
In mitigation the court heard Fitzgerald had been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder since being remanded into custody and was now medicated.
A psychiatric assessment also concluded that his culpability for the offences was substantially reduced by his mental state.
Passing sentence Recorder Dan Stacey said the victim made it clear she did not want to get back with Fitzgerald after he ended their relationship.
Recorder Stacey told Fitzgerald that he drove his van dangerously after attending at the victim’s work.
“Driving it with your feet and doing handbrake turns,” Recorder Stacey explained.
“Someone removed the keys which was a mercy.”
Fitzgerald was sentenced to 27 weeks imprisonment suspended for 18 months, with 150 hours of unpaid work in the community.
He must also complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a six month drug rehabilitation requirement and be subject to a six month GPS trail monitoring order.
Fitzgerald was also banned from driving for 12 months and must take an extended re-test.
A restraining order was also made which prevents Fitzgerald contacting the victim.
