David Willshaw
Assault, harassment without causing fear, criminal damage, and breaching bail *
Sentence
18-month community order, including 15 rehabilitation days and 80 hours unpaid work, plus £100 compensation
David Willshaw, aged 37, of Heath Street, Chesterton, subjected his ex-partner to a three-month harassment campaign following the breakdown of their four-year relationship in December 2024. Between December 2024 and February 2025, he damaged her property, assaulted her, and followed her. Specific incidents include knocking on her door on February 23, 2025, placing her in a headlock, rubbing his knuckles on her head, and accusing her of cheating. On another occasion, he invited himself into her house, went through her phone, discovered dating apps, became angry, stormed out, kicked a baby gate bruising her knee, and damaged her ring doorbell. He also made unwanted phone calls, bombarded her with Instagram messages, and showed up uninvited. Following arrest, he breached bail by violating a no-contact order.
Pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity. Has one previous conviction for assault. Described as a hard-working and caring father whose behaviour was out of character. Wished to avoid unpaid labour due to work commitments but magistrates imposed it regardless.