A former soldier who climbed through a woman’s window in the middle of the night and subjected her to a frightening campaign of stalking has been jailed.Daniel Crawford, 33, of Hutton Road in South Bank, appeared at Teesside Crown Court after admitting stalking involving fear of violence and making threats to commit criminal damage.
The court heard that Crawford entered the victim’s home by climbing through her window during the night, causing her “serious distress”. He was also seen parked outside her home and later followed her in his car, pulling up alongside her and issuing threats through her window.Prosecutor Johnny Walker said Crawford had previously served in the Army but was dismissed after receiving a prison sentence.
His criminal record includes an April 2022 incident where he entered another woman’s home, grabbed her by the neck and threatened to kill her, resulting in a conviction for battery. In another separate incident, he poured shampoo over a former girlfriend, and in July 2022 he was convicted again after striking, throttling and kicking a lorry driver following a road collision.
Defence barrister Andrew Turton said Crawford, who has been on remand in Holme House prison for seven months, is a father of three and continues to have the support of a partner. Turton said Crawford believed his mental wellbeing had been significantly compromised at the time of the offences and that he feels remorse for his actions.
Judge Paul Reid said Crawford’s behaviour was “unacceptable” and had caused significant psychological harm to the victim. He sentenced Crawford to 100 weeks in prison and imposed a restraining order preventing any future contact with her.