An abusive man released early from prison stalked his ex-partner within days of leaving jail.
Dennis Beastall, from Derby, was given a 12-month prison sentence for domestic abuse in December but carried out just under four months because he was released in early April during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The 48-year-old was convicted of assault, stalking, criminal damage and threats to kill and given a five-year restraining order against his ex-partner Julie Emms.
Ms Emms told the Derby Telegraph that Beastall hit her multiple times and abused her while they were in a relationship.
At Derby Crown Court on Friday, Judge Robert Egbuna ordered Beastall to return to jail for 20 months for stalking and infringing his restraining order, according to the publication.
Ms Emms told the newspaper she is anxious she might be killed one day but said his new sentence is “better” than his first sentence.
“I’m just scared,” she said. “It’s not just what he can do, but it’s the people he knows too. I have had to have CCTV installed for my own safety all around my property. If anyone meets someone online and you do not know them, make sure you vet them and find out as much information as you can about them.”
Beastall broke his restraining order by contacting his ex-partner after being released from prison – telling her if he was not able to be in a relationship with her, nobody else could.
It had been reported, including by The Independent, that his release prior to the halfway point of his sentence was due to coronavirus but the Ministry of Justice said it was in fact due to previous time served.
He also has five restraining orders against five different women he knew previously, the court heard.
The courtroom heard he has 29 previous convictions for over 70 offences – with many of these involving harassment.
He pleaded guilty to stalking with threats of violence and breaking his restraining order between 7 April and 26 April this year.
