A disgruntled former employee stalked and harassed members of a family swim school when he was given his orders to leave. Martin Keeney, 47, was handed his notice in April 2021 after he developed an obsession with a member of the family that ran the swim school.
READ MORE: Lancashire's week in court including burgling grime artist, footballer's police chase, and child killerSarah Gruffydd, prosecuting, told Preston Crown Court, that Keeney became aggressive when asked to leave, and pleaded for one more chance before he was escorted from the premises. She said: "He sat in the car bombarding them with messages."
Keeney, of Hesketh Road, Longridge, pleaded guilty to one count of stalking and two counts of harassment. His stalking victim said: "I always thought I was a strong person who wouldn't be affected by this type of situation but I am finding more and more situations where I am anxious and not wanting to go out. This has severely impacted my mental health. This has gone on for years now and really needs sorting to protect us all.
Beverley Hackett, defending, said Keeney has a diagnosis of Autism which can cause him to become fixated on certain issues. She said at the time he was causing issues for the family he was drinking heavily but has since stopped. Recorder Michael Maher, sentencing, said: "It is plain you developed an unhealthy fixation, if not bordering on an obsession, with one of the family members. You didn't take the termination of your employment well.