Former professional footballer sentenced for harassment of ex-partner

A former Premier League football player has today been sentenced at Preston Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to harassment without violence.

Colin Hendry, 59, pleaded guilty to harassing a former partner for a period of over six months after their relationship ended.

Natasha Clark, Senior Crown Prosecutor for Crown Prosecution Service North West, said:  “Colin Hendry harassed a former partner for over six weeks after their relationship ended after she stopped returning his calls.

“He ignored her wishes and breached boundaries she put in place, using multiple different platforms to contact her. Hendry’s behaviour was intimidating and persistent, causing the victim immense distress, but despite this he initially refused to accept it was harassment.

“This outcome is a clear indication that the CPS will not hesitate to prosecute anyone guilty of harassment whether this is in person or online.”

Hendry harassed the former partner for over six weeks after their relationship ended, sending her messages from multiple different email accounts, utilising No Caller ID to call her after she blocked his number.

When his calls went unanswered, he turned to other means including dozens of emails and messaging her on LinkedIn.

After her saying she no longer wanting any kind of relationship with him, Hendry consistently attempted to contact the ex-partner, showing up to her house with unwanted gifts and flowers on several occasions.

The victim reported Hendry to the police, saying she felt depressed and anxious because of his behaviour. She said she was unable to leave the house without fearing an unannounced visit from him.

Lancashire Police responded to this report, contacting Hendry to warn him about his behaviour and telling him to stop all communications to the ex-partner which were unwanted.

Whilst Hendry admitted to his conduct, he tried to deny it was harassment, claiming he never got a written warning from police so continued to contact her and that he was simply concerned for the affected person and her dog.

The CPS then worked with Lancashire Police to prove that Hendry’s behaviour amounted to harassment, leaving him no choice but to pleaded guilty.

He was sentenced today at Preston Magistrates’ Court.