Chelmsford: man given eight-year restraining order

A man who admitted stalking his ex-partner has been ordered to stay away for eight years.

Ben Surry, 46, of Althorne, Chelmsford, was given a restraining order at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday 30 January after he pleaded guilty to stalking and two counts of criminal damage.

Following the breakup of their short relationship in 2021, Ben Surry continuously contacted the woman through social media, mobile phone and attending places where he knew she would be.

On thirteen occasions during a four-week period between June and July 2021, he left threatening messages and damaged her clothes and property after he used a key to gain access to her home.

In an attempt to win her back, he sent her flowers and offered to take her to dinner, but each time the offer was refused, and he was told by the woman, that the relationship was over and to leave her alone.

Detective Constable Lauren Gell, Domestic Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“I’d like to praise the victim in coming forward to report Ben Surry and to put a stop to his behaviour so that she could live her life without the fear of what he might do next.
“His behaviour was abhorrent.
“He called her almost fifty times on two separate days and refused to leave her alone despite being told in no uncertain terms that the relationship was over.
“This would’ve been frightening and difficult to deal with alone, but just as this woman did, I’d encourage anyone who is suffering similarly to call us. We will listen and support you, we’ll ensure you are safeguarded and that the perpetrator is brought to justice.”

Ben Surry was also jailed for six months.