Man played 'cat and mouse game' chasing ex-partner down isolated country roads, Sheffield court hears

A South Yorkshire man played a game of cat and mouse in his car as he chased his ex-partner along isolated country roads, Sheffield Crown Court heard.
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Peter Edwards tailgated the woman as she drove home from a garage in Rotherham, at 4pm, on January 31.

He pulled up alongside her in a silver Ford, before driving in front of her and getting out, wearing a balaclava.

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"He shouted: "Come on then - not so mouthy now,"" prosecutor Louise Gallagher said. "She drove past him. He overtook her again and parked up and waited for her to pass and this happened three or four times. She described him as playing a game of cat and mouse. Each time he would get out and use abusive language and threats."

Read the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court.Read the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court.
Read the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court.

She reversed and parked on a drive where she sought help, but Edwards blocked the drive and shouted more abuse.

The court heard how he also drove past her home on the nights of January 20 and 30, revving his engine, screeching his tyres and shouting more abuse.

"She presumed he was referring to a new partner, who didn't exist," added Ms Gallagher. "She got the best night's sleep she had had in ages when she was told he was arrested on February 5.”

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The court heard their ten-year relationship ended in June 2019, and they have a nine-year-old son.

Michael Cane-Soothill, mitigating, said Edwards had already served some time on a curfew and in custody.

"He realises his behaviour was inappropriate," he said. "He will comply with a restraining order. He feels the lady in question will almost inevitably contact him and I have given him appropriate advice."

Edwards, 41, of Moorgate Street, Moorgate, Rotherham, pleaded guilty to harassment, at Sheffield Crown Court, on Wednesday, after denying the original charge of stalking.

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Recorder Adrian Langdale QC said: "This was appalling behaviour on your behalf."

The court heard Edwards has 41 previous convictions for 93 offences, dating back to 1993 and including burglary, attempted robbery and assault occasioning ABH, but had

stayed out of trouble for almost eight years.

On Wednesday, he received 13 weeks in custody and a restraining order was imposed for five years.