South Shields stalker jailed over shocking campaign against ex including destroying her underwear in bucket of bleach

Graham Martin's relationship deteriorated after he punched his partner of 16 years in the face on Christmas Day in 2018 and gave her a black eye.

Over the following months, the 40-year-old became "paranoid" with unfounded jealousy which caused him to check her phone, which he smashed against a wall, and later pull her to the ground by her ponytail.

Newcastle Crown Court heard after he moved out of the family home, Martin continued to access the house.

Prosecutor Jessica Slaughter told Newcastle Crown Court: "She believed he had been attending when no-one was present and moving items and damaging items.

"One example was her underwear was put into a bucket and had bleach poured over, which damaged it so it couldn't be used.

"Things were taken, like her passport, photographs.

"She knew he still had a key."

The court heard Martin bombarded his ex, and also her mother, with unwanted texts and calls.

During some messages to his former partner he was "abusive and threatening" and called her names like "horrible cow" while making threats.

The court heard even after being arrested and bailed by the police, Martin continued his campaign and caused repeated damage to his ex partner's car, leaving her "physically drained" by her ordeal.

Martin, of Priestly Court, South Shields, was found guilty by magistrates of two offences of battery, criminal damage and stalking.

He pleaded guilty to offences of criminal damage and harassment offences.

Judge Tim Gittens sentenced Martin to 18 months behind bars.

The judge told him: "This was a catalogue of unpleasant offences, violence and intimidation.

"There was vile abuse and threats of violence.

"Tyres were punctured, locks were damaged, you entered the property in circumstances where you wanted her to know you had been in, causing damage to clothing and the like.

"It was very unpleasant and controlling and coercive behaviour."

Tom Mitchell, defending, said Martin's ex has moved on into another relationship, which he now accepts, and has continued to try and support him for the sake of their children.

Mr Mitchell said: "He is mortified, he is thoroughly ashamed of himself."

Mr Mitchell said Martin, who is a painter and shot blaster by trade, is genuinely sorry for his behaviour and has "changed" while in custody on remand.