Gosport stalker spared jail for the sake of his mental health - but banned from going to Whiteley

A stalker who relentlessly pursued his ex-girlfriend has been spared jail because of mental health concerns.

Lee Morgan, 44 from Turner Avenue, Gosport, had previously pleaded guilty to one count of stalking involving serious alarm or distress, and two counts of failing to surrender or answer to bail.

This morning (Wednesday, May 20), he appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court for sentencing, wearing a light-blue jumper, blue jeans and white trainers in the dock. Morgan also brought a rucksack into court with him.

The court was told of how Morgan bombarded his former partner with phone calls and messages, after their relationship had come to an end.

In mitigation, Morgan's solicitor Howard Barrington-Clark said Morgan was struggling with his mental health in the aftermath of the break-up, and was continuing to face mental health problems.

Sentencing, District Judge Kevin Hill said: "The stalking offence is obviously a very serious matter. Your behaviour plainly had a very significant impact on your victim.

"It's clear to me that, at the time, you were suffering with your mental health, and are still struggling today.

"In light of your mental health, I have reduce the sentence from custody to a community order, which I feel is more suitable and appropriate."

Morgan was handed a 24-month community order, which included 30 rehabilitation days. For the bail offences, he was instructed to pay a £50 fine and £114 surcharge.

A restraining order was also enforced for two years, barring the defendant from contacting his former partner, or entering Whiteley.