Stalker terrorized ex for two years: Court lets him walk with community service

A woman and her partner are living in constant fear after her ex-boyfriend, who stalked and terrorized them for over two years, walked free with only a community order. Jess Adams, 36, and her partner Jodie Harris, 32, were forced to move homes after enduring relentless intimidation from former soldier Stuart Spires, 52. Despite being convicted of two counts of stalking, criminal damage, and possession of cannabis, Spires avoided jail and was handed an 18-month restraining order, community service, and rehabilitation. The decision has left the couple terrified, fearing that the harassment will continue.

A stalking nightmare that escalated into terror

Jess's nightmare began in late 2021 after she ended her relationship with Spires. What started as occasional unsettling encounters soon escalated into a full-fledged campaign of fear. Spires would park outside their home in Dagenham, East London, for hours, follow them to work, and even show up at their workplace. The situation worsened in 2022 when Jess began dating Jodie. Their vehicles were repeatedly vandalized—windows were shattered, tyres slashed, and expanding foam was found inside their headlights, which mechanics warned could have triggered an explosion. Jess recalled the struggle to convince authorities of the severity of the threat. “It’s hard to get evidence. He wore masks; it was so premeditated. The fact that we put ourselves at risk just to gather proof and secure a conviction is terrifying.” Their home security footage even captured a masked figure resembling the Guy Fawkes character from V for Vendetta pouring glue into their front door lock.

Authorities are slow to act, and victims forced to collect evidence

Despite filing multiple police reports, Jess and Jodie said the authorities did little to stop the harassment. Frustrated by inaction, they took matters into their own hands, collecting video evidence and even confronting Spires themselves. Jodie recalled a chilling encounter where she chased Spires down an alley. “Everything he’s done has escalated. He’s going to think, ‘I can do whatever I like.’ I’m just waiting for what happens next. By then, it might be too late.”

Justice denied? Spires walks free despite conviction

Spires, who served in South America, Afghanistan, and Iraq with the Royal Artillery, denied stalking but was convicted. However, instead of a prison sentence, Barkingside Magistrates’ Court handed him an 18-month community order, 30 days of rehabilitation, and 60 hours of unpaid work. A restraining order prevents him from contacting Jess and Jodie for just 18 months. District Judge Paul Donegan acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses but deemed community service sufficient punishment. “That is designed to punish you for your behavior,” he stated. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed that Spires had been arrested twice between January and April 2024 but was released on bail both times. They defended their handling of the case, citing multiple statements and CCTV evidence gathered during the investigation.

‘We’re still living in fear’

For Jess and Jodie, the ruling offers little comfort. They fear Spires will strike again. Jess said, “We guarantee something will happen again. We don’t know what to do. We’ve moved home, but it’s only a matter of time before he figures out where we live.” With their safety hanging by a thread, they are calling for stricter legal measures to protect stalking victims before it’s too late.