A man from Nottinghamshire has been sent to prison after subjecting his neighbour to a terrifying campaign of harassment, which included multiple threats to kill her.
A sustained campaign of intimidation
Christopher Brealey, 57, of Highbury Road in Bulwell, made his neighbour's life a misery with aggressive and unpleasant behaviour over a period of several weeks. The harassment took place between November 30 last year and January 13, the day he was finally arrested.
Brealey regularly shouted abuse at the woman living next door and was heard banging on the walls during the early hours. He also attempted to intimidate her by blasting loud music both day and night.
Victim's evidence proves crucial
Unbeknownst to Brealey, his victim was meticulously documenting the harassment as it happened. The evidence she gathered, which included video footage, provided Nottinghamshire Police with a watertight case.
This compelling proof meant Brealey had little choice but to admit his guilt. He pleaded guilty to harassment without violence at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on January 14.
Sentencing and ongoing actions
Brealey was sentenced to five months in prison. The court also imposed a two-year restraining order, which bans him from contacting his victim.
In addition to the custodial sentence, authorities are working with the housing agency to revoke Brealey's tenancy. This action aims to provide lasting respite for residents in the area.
Following the sentencing, Sergeant Katie Taylor of the Bulwell Neighbourhood Policing team praised the victim's bravery. "The persistent gathering of evidence helped build a watertight case," she said. "This type of behaviour can have a really negative impact on people's lives and how they feel about where they live, which is simply not okay."
Sergeant Taylor added that the police were pleased with the prison sentence and were continuing to work to have Brealey removed from his property.
