Leeds law student avoids jail for stalking ex-girlfriend

A Leeds student studying law has avoided jail for stalking his ex-girlfriend.

Lawrence Clarke-Russam, 30, was studying for his Master’s when he admitted to stalking his former partner by appearing at her home and workplace.

Clarke-Russam, from Meanwood, made his victim’s life an “utter misery”, the Yorkshire Evening Post reports.

In a hearing at Leeds Crown Court, it was discovered that the pair, who began dating online in 2022, faced challenges due to Clarke-Russam’s heightened jealousy and frequent cheating accusations.

The couple split in May 2023 and since then, the 30-year-old repeatedly contacted his ex-girlfriend and visited her home. On one occasion, police were called and escorted him away, but he was not arrested.

Following this, the defendant’s behaviour escalated, with him turning up at her workplace and bombarding her with calls and messages from different phone numbers. The woman eventually felt she had no choice but to move back home.

Clarke-Russam had no previous criminal record.

Mitigating, Jeremy Barton said: “There can be no excuses for his behaviour, nor do I try to offer one. It’s quite out of character. There’s a significant amount of remorse.”

Mr Barton also argued that imprisonment would derail his studies.

Judge Simon Phillips KC described the case as “troubling” and highlighted the impact on the victim, saying:  “She was the victim of a campaign of unwanted contact. You made her life an utter misery.”

Clarke-Russam received a 24 month jail sentence, suspended for 24 months. He was also ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation days, 150 hours of unpaid work, and wear a GPS tag for six months.

An indefinite restraining order was also issued to prevent him from contacting his ex-girlfriend.

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