Former Footballer Takes Matters Into His Own Hands
Ex-Aston Villa and England defender Stephen Warnock played a crucial role in helping to apprehend a man who terrorised women by staring through the windows of their home in Liverpool. The 44-year-old former international footballer turned detective, staking out the address and following the culprit on foot after spotting him arrive late at night.
Personal Connection to the Case
Warnock became involved in the situation because his fiancee's sister was one of the victims targeted by the stalker. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the Liverpool-born footballer explained his motivation: "I've two daughters myself, and it is unfair to allow people to walk around with that power. To have young girls petrified to walk out of their own home or to even be in their own home is wrong."
He added: "The police don't have the time and resources to be able to do it. So that was why we said, 'Right, let's go and find out who he is and where he lives', and at least then we could take it to the police, and so they could build a better case."
The Stalking Incidents
The women first noticed a man later identified as Andrew Mulhearn repeatedly approaching their front door in July last year. Doorbell footage revealed he would arrive at the same time each night and stare intently through the front window. Police had advised the victims to upload the footage and call 999 if it happened again, but Warnock decided to take more direct action.
The Stakeout Operation
Warnock described the somewhat comical but determined stakeout: "We sat there for an hour-and-a-half. We set the car alarm off twice, the car started to steam up. It wasn't perfect. It was quite humorous if I'm being completely honest. But then around 11pm we saw him walk past the car window and I was like, 'Right, he's here.'"
When Mulhearn noticed a new camera in the front window of the house, he turned away. Warnock followed on foot but temporarily lost him before the culprit was arrested after Warnock's fiancee dialled 999.
Police Interaction and Arrest
Recounting the moment police arrived, Warnock said: "The police officer was like 'we just need to ID him'. I said, 'That's him' and the officer was like, 'Who are you?'. We explained, and he said, 'That's good enough for me'."
He added with some humour: "There is a humorous side looking back. It's like a dark comedy, in a serious situation, funny things happen. The police officer was taking our statement and said they had to go to another job. I said 'I'm free if you want'."
Court Outcome and Sentencing
Andrew Mulhearn, 30, of Pitville Avenue in Mossley Hill, Liverpool, initially claimed he had only been looking through the front window to see if anyone was home so he could use the toilet. However, he formally pleaded guilty on Tuesday at Liverpool Magistrates' Court to two counts of harassment without violence over a number of weeks last summer.
Mulhearn was sentenced to:
- 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months
- 25 rehabilitation days
- 200 hours of unpaid work
- A five-year restraining order
Warnock's Reflection on the Experience
When asked why he wanted to share the story, Warnock explained: "Sometimes you hear of harassment cases, but you don't actually understand the effect it can have on [the victims]. Speaking to them closely and understanding what they were going through wasn't a nice thing to listen to."
"I think that's ultimately why I decided to try and step in and do something about it at the very least. It felt very predatory. I just thought if you put yourself in their shoes, how would you feel?" he continued. "It is one thing saying to women 'Don't walk around late at night', but you are putting the onus on the woman. And this was like, 'Oh, actually you are in your own home where you should be safe.'"
The former footballer's intervention demonstrates how community action can complement police efforts in addressing harassment cases, particularly when victims feel unsafe in their own homes.
