Andover man jailed for harassing ex-partner

An Andover man has been sentenced to 16 months in prison after he harassed his ex-partner over a period of four months.

Leon Fitzpatrick, 19, of Launcelot Close, Andover, pleaded guilty to harassment and three breaches of a non-molestation order that he was given on July 1, 2021.

The court heard that between February and May 2022, Fitzpatrick sent his former partner intimidating messages to her Snapchat account, threatening and intimidating voice-notes during which he tried to disguise his voice and a voice-note of him laughing at her.

In some of the messages, Fitzpatrick bragged about biting someone’s ear off and threatened violence towards his ex-partner’s sister.

The court also heard how on the evening of 28 May, Fitzpatrick sent a photo of himself in a pub close to his ex-partner’s house; a significant distance from his home address.

Appearing at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 12 August, Fitzpatrick was sentenced to 16 months in jail for harassment and three breaches of a non-molestation order.

In addition to his sentence, a restraining order has been granted which prevents Fitzpatrick from contacting the victim directly or indirectly and excludes him from attending her address. This will be valid for five years.

DS Sarah Page from the Northern Investigation Team said: “Fitzpatrick’s conduct has understandably caused the victim a considerable amount of distress and anguish.

“Harassment is a crime of persistence and this behaviour can have devastating effects on those who experience it.

“Tackling offenders of domestic abuse remains one of our priorities and we will do everything we can to bring perpetrators like Fitzpatrick to justice.

“I hope this case gives people confidence that we put victims at the heart of investigations and they will always be supported.”

If you are suffering domestic abuse, or concerned about a friend or relative, talk to us by calling 101 or make a report online at

https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ .

In an emergency, always dial 999.