Hartlepool dad egged ex-partner's home over child access issues

Jason Weatherill admitted a charge of harassment when he appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

The 34-year-old, of Ensign Court, pleaded guilty to the charge, which included egging his former partner’s property and sending texts, emails and threatening voicemails in October this year.

Jo Hesse, prosecuting, said the victim said she was upset by what had happened and was concerned the threats might be carried out.

A probation officer said the issues between the pair have arisen through problems over Weatherill getting access to his young daughter.

She said the pair split in 2016 and Weatherill said things were fine at first, but then he stopped being given regular access to his daughter.

The probation officer said: “He was on the phone to his daughter and she said that she couldn’t come and see him anymore.

“The next morning he went and egged the property.

“He knows he didn’t act appropriately. He knows it was unacceptable.

“His behaviour overall is from not having access to his daughter.”

Cheryl Ford, defending, said her client and his ex-partner had been in a relationship for many years, but split not long after their child was born and there had been problems with access for a long time.

She said: “He went through the right channels to solve the situation and was given fair and regular contact and that was fine for about six months.”

However, she said the child’s mother then started altering the arrangements and saying he could not see his daughter, so he ended up going back to court again.

Ms Ford said: “Throughout this time his emotions have been played with and he has suffered, as has his child, and it seems to be for no particular reason.”

Weatherill was given a 24-month community order and told to pay £85 costs and a £90 surcharge. He was also made subject of a two-year restraining order.