A FIRE station commander who stalked his wife by hiding a tracking device inside a teddy bear has been sentenced.
Ian Crawley, 55, of Malthouse Mews, Hartley Wintney, hid an Apple AirTag inside a teddy bear in the boot of his wife Adela Crawley's car in Alton between February 24, 2024 and June 24, 2024, to stalk her movements.
Basingstoke Magistrates' Court heard that Crawley, a London Fire Brigade station commander, harassed and assaulted Mrs Crawley.
On one occasion, on November 11, 2023, he assaulted her by throwing a mobile phone at her.
Appearing for sentencing on February 24 at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court, Crawley, who had previously pleaded not guilty to harassment and assault by beating, wore a dark suit with a purple tie.
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A victim statement from Mrs Crawley was read to the court, which said: “It felt invasive and sinister, it was a silent sense of threat. I feel as if the sky is falling in on me. Feelings of grief and fear overwhelm me."
The mother-of-two explained that she has a "fear of the unknown and all uncertainty going forward".
She added: "Only recently have I begun to understand the unhealthy extent of our relationship.
“I can’t remember the last time I genuinely felt heard or valued or validated in a relationship. What hasn’t faded is hurt inflicted by behaviour."
She said there was a "lack of apology, remorse or accountability" from Crawley and that "he expressed concern for only himself.
"I feel absolute terror at the uncertainty of my future."
The court heard that Mrs Crawley still experiences emotional reactions, panic, and tears, triggered by innocuous events, such as driving, because of the distress caused to her.
Crawley's defence said that he was previously a man of good character, with no previous convictions, and that the sentencing could affect his career, which he had spent decades establishing.
At the sentencing, Crawley was handed a high-level community order lasting 18 months to run concurrently for both crimes.
He is required to complete up to 12 sessions of rehabilitation and 150 hours of unpaid work.
He was also subjected to a restraining order, meaning he cannot go to Mrs Crawley's home, except with a police officer, at a mutually convenient time to collect belongings.
He is also banned from visiting her place of work between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.
Crawley is not allowed contact with her directly or indirectly, except through the family court.
This restraining order is in place for two years.
Crawley must also pay the costs of the three-day trial, which amounted to £750, plus a surcharge of £114. He must make the total £864 payment in full within 28 days.
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