A man who harassed his ex-girlfriend by leaving flowers on her doorstep and staring at her all night in the pub where she worked has avoided jail. Steven Darby, 49, was handed a 12-month community order after admitting harassment.
Darby, of Paragon Avenue, Newcastle-under-Lyme, appeared before magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre. The court heard that after his girlfriend ended their relationship, Darby struggled to accept the breakup and sought answers she never provided.
Harassment Campaign
Prosecutor Lee Stone said Darby's behavior included leaving flowers on her doorstep and passing a note to a colleague that read: "I've loved you always, you know where I am." On one occasion, he spent a night staring at her in the pub where she worked.
Stone added: "Her mental health has significantly declined. She fears going out and has considered drinking at other establishments in case she sees this defendant. She worries when walking home from work that she could bump into him. The victim has had to make lifestyle changes to avoid contact."
Defense Mitigation
Paige Morgan, defending, said: "The offence occurred in late 2024 and early 2025, and we are now in April 2026. He has some issues with alcohol which need addressing. He found the end of the relationship difficult because she never gave him a real reason for the breakup, so he never had the answers he hoped for and has struggled with that."
Morgan noted that Darby attends church, is addressing his alcohol issues, and has started new medication for bipolar disorder.
Sentence
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and a three-month alcohol abstinence requirement. Darby must also pay £319 costs and was handed a 12-month restraining order.
