Gardener stalks his ex-partner by turning up uninvited to mow her lawn

04 February 2023 , 19:39

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A man turned up uninvited to mow his ex partner's front garden (Image: Getty Images)

A gardener has been convicted of stalking his ex partner – using a lawnmower.

Idris Williams, 63, was warned by police not to contact his old love but turned up uninvited to mow her front garden.

Helen Hughes had ignored his unwanted Valentine’s cards, notes and flowers for six months – but when he turned up with the mower she called police.

Williams admitted stalking his former partner in Llandyrnog, near Denbigh, North Wales. Prosecutor Gareth Parry told Llaundudno magistrates court the self-employed gardener’s behaviour had caused “anxiety”, adding the victim now locked her doors.

Mr Parry said: “His behaviour has had a substantial impact on her life.”

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The case was heard at Llandudno Magistrates Court (Daily Post Wales)

The court heard the ­relationship broke down in March 2021 but Miss Hughes ­continued to receive numerous texts and eventually blocked Williams’ number. But one day she came home to find him ­mowing her lawn.

Williams’ barrister Clare Bate said her client was in a “dark place” at the time.

She added: “This isn’t a gentleman who turned up with the intention of being malicious. Ultimately he loved her and wanted to get her back.

“He loved Helen Hughes very much. He accepts the relationship is over. He wants to very much move on.”

Magistrates bailed Williams ahead of sentencing later this month.

Last year gardener Jonathan Barrett was convicted of stalking ITV presenter Isla Traquair after climbing her wall to offer her a sandwich in Kingsdown, Wiltshire.

Phil Cardy