Ryhope Man manages to get banned from all of Ryhope over extreme ex girlfriend stalking

A Ryhope man has been banned from visiting all of Ryhope after he threatened to burn down his ex partner’s house when their four-year relationship ended and repeatedly attacked the building, a court heard.

Alan Devine, 42, caused such fear over a two-month period that his victim was scared to leave her home.

Devine, of Smith Street, also Ryhope, could be jailed after he admitted a charge of stalking causing serious alarm or distress between Friday, July 7, and Sunday, September 24.

He was granted bail on condition he does not contact his ex-partner and steers clear of her home and that of her daughter.

Prosecutor Gurjot Kaur told South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court: “The complainant was in a relationship with the defendant for four years. It ended seven months ago.

“She says that the defendant will not leave her alone. She was initially unsupportive of giving a statement but because of his behaviour, she is now supportive.

“She says he attended her address in the early hours of July 19 and returned later in the hours of darkness.

“He made threats to burn her house down and smash windows. He also made contact by phone and made further threats.

“She says that she was scared to leave her address and calls him back because of fear of what he might do.

“He does cause damage to her doors, and he drives past her house on several occasions as well.”

Magistrates adjourned the case for an all-options report and told Devine he will be sentenced at the same court on Wednesday, October 25.

Bail conditions mean he must not enter Burdon Lane, Didsdale Street, Halifax Place, Colin Terrace and Ryhope Street, all Ryhope, or Wetherburn Avenue, Murton, Co Durham.

He must also abide by a 6pm to 6am electronically monitored curfew and reside at his mother’s home outside the exclusion zone.