Middlesbrough stalker terrorized ex-partners with vile threats

Tony Leming made life miserable for his victim during their relatively short relationship by regularly beating her, threatening to kill her, and locking her in her home.

Teesside Crown Court heard things come to a head when the 24-year-old attacked her again on August 5 last year.

Nigel Soppitt, the prosecutor, said: “He came to her house, she refused to let him in and he screamed, ‘If you don’t let me in, I’m going to burn down the house with you in it’.”

Continue reading: Alcoholic arsonist set fire to neighbor’s yard after drunk rampage

“She let him in and he pushed her onto the sofa before jumping on her, injuring her arm.”

The next day, Leming returned to her home and again demanded admittance before threatening to burn down her house.

Mr Soppitt said the applicant then sought refuge at her parents’ home, but the defendant tracked her down and began making threats again before attempting to “goad” her father into leaving his home.

The court heard how the woman went on vacation in late August hoping she had moved on from Leming’s behavior but he made several abusive phone calls to her.

Tony Leming (Image: Cleveland Police Department)

Leming, of Littondale, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, was found guilty of assault, stalking, threatening behavior and breaching a harassment law after a trial in Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

Emma Williams softened that the arborist lost his job after becoming addicted to crack and urged the judge to spare him an immediate prison sentence.

Judge Howard Crowson branded Leming a “dominant” bully who had a criminal record due to incidents involving a former partner.

Continue reading:

If you want to read more stories why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for just £1.25 a week. Click here

He said: “They visited her house and threatened to burn the house and she let you in.”

“She was clearly vulnerable in her own home and was threatened by your actions – you threatened her with entry into the house.”

Regarding the handling of the stalking allegation, the judge added: “You visited her and her parents’ home and again threatened stabbing or fire, and you made a number of phone calls and other threats.”

Leming was sentenced to a total of four years and two months in prison for all of the crimes and has been given restraining orders that keep him away from his ex-partner and parents.