A dad whose "nasty and intimidating" stalking of an ex-partner included repeatedly letting himself into her home, smearing cat excrement on her sofa and pouring bleach into her washing machine has been spared jail.

Marcus Sprawling's three-week campaign against the woman also included smashing her TV, a hallway mirror, an elephant ornament and a glass jug, as well as ripping furniture.

Even after being warned he would be reported to police, his behaviour continued and escalated in nature, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

Such was its impact that his victim was left "extremely petrified" and had security measures installed "to feel safe and protected" at her Sheerness home.

Sprawling, from Essex, initially denied any wrongdoing following his arrest and stood trial earlier this year.

But be

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