Stalker, 42, who used a DRONE to spy on his ex-partner and her male friend is jailed for four months

 

• John McDermott, 42, pleaded guilty to using a drone to spy on his ex-girlfriend
• The court heard he followed her and used a drone to watch where she lived 
• McDermott was jailed for four months and banned from possessing a drone

A stalker who used a drone to spy on his ex-girlfriend when she broke up with him has been jailed for four months.   

John McDermott, 42, from Flintshire, north-east Wales pleaded guilty to stalking his ex-partner Kerry Williams and her male friend Daniel Redford with a drone. 

He used the drone to monitor the two of them after Ms Williams moved into Mr Redford's home in Holywell, Flintshire.

The court heard Ms Williams contacted police on September 29 because she was being followed in a car by McDermott. 

McDermott had also tried to call her and she said she felt unsafe in her home. 

She had ended their 16-week relationship in September, saying in a victim statement: 'I couldn't cope with his controlling nature. I felt trapped.'  

McDermott, of Birch Court, Connah's Quay, went to Mr Redford's home, making threats towards him and rude gestures.

In October, McDermott again followed his ex-partner and repeatedly used a drone to watch where she lived. 

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Ms Williams had ended their 16-week relationship in September, saying in a victim statement: 'I couldn't cope with his controlling nature. I felt trapped.' The court heard that McDermott followed his ex-partner and repeatedly used a drone to watch where she lived (file image)

Ms Williams said she had been unable to sleep and felt terrified of what McDermott might do.

'I feel absolutely mortified, sick and intimidated,' she said. 

The prosecution said McDermott was bailed for police inquiries with conditions which he breached. 

On October 20, a drone was seen flying above the property once again and Ms Williams's parents were also filmed at their home.

McDermott also admitted assaulting his ex's stepbrother by pushing him.

Defence solicitor Victoria Handley said McDermott 'completely accepts what he did was wrong'.  

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McDermott was jailed for four months at Llandudno Magistrates' Court (pictured) and ordered to pay £64 in compensation to both of his stalking victims

The court heard that he had been in the armed forces and suffered post-traumatic stress.

McDermott was jailed for four months and ordered to pay £64 in compensation to both of his stalking victims. 

He was also banned under an indefinite restraining order from possessing or using a drone in Holywell and Trelawnyd. 

Magistrates at Llandudno Magistrates' Court also ordered the destruction of the drone.   

Court chairman John Rooney told McDermott his behaviour had intended to cause maximum fear and distress and he had offended while on bail.