Man jailed after putting dead fox on ex-lover's doorstep (From Your Local Guardian)

Carshalton man jailed after putting dead fox on ex-lover's doorstep

11:35am Thursday 30th August 2012 in News By James Pepper

A man has been jailed after he put a dead fox on his ex-lover's doorstep.

Gary Hunt, 37, was sentenced to five months in prison for breaching a restraining order made against him in June.

Camberwell Green Magistrates Court heard Hunt had carried out a campaign of abuse aimed at his ex-girlfriend of 18 years, after their break up last year.

Only a week after the restraining order was made on June 14, homeless Hunt took a dead fox to the house he used to share with his girlfriend in Stoneleigh Road, Carshalton, and put it on her doorstep in the dead of night.

Father-of-three Hunt, of no fixed abode, was convicted last month after his victim's sister bravely gave evidence against him in court.

Speaking after the verdict, she said: "He wasn't always bad, he used to be a nice guy but the break up hit him hard. But now, he will not leave her alone and it's one thing after another. My sister doesn't know what to do."

Hunt was seen in the early hours of June 26 by his ex-girlfriend, and although she couldn't see his face, she told the court she could identify him by the side profile of his face and his walk.

She told the court she felt physically sick when she saw a bloodied corpse of a fox on the doorstep.

Hunt, who has been in custody since the offence, offered no explanation and denied being at the house, telling the court he was drinking and playing pool with acquaintances in Tooting.

Despite the identification issues, Judge Peter Greenfield, was convinced his ex-girlfriend would know Hunt's walk as she has known him for 18 years.

Judge Greenfield told Hunt: "You did not mention the pool games to police when you were questioned. I felt (the victim's sister's) evidence was very honest, where as Mr Hunt, yours was less convincing. I am satisfied you breached the order."