Former Scotland international and Manchester City defender Colin Hendry faced legal consequences after persistently harassing a woman he had previously been in a relationship with. The court handed him a 12-month community service sentence and issued a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim.
More Than Just Annoyance: Six Weeks of Pressure
Hendry was accused of persistently contacting his ex-partner for over six weeks following their breakup. Despite being blocked, he used multiple email accounts, made phone calls from hidden numbers, and attempted communication through professional platforms.
Flowers, Messages, and LinkedIn: Hendry Didn’t Stop
When his phone calls went unanswered, the former defender turned to other means of contact. The woman began receiving dozens of emails and LinkedIn messages. Hendry showed up at her home on multiple occasions with flowers and gifts, ignoring her clear requests to cease all communication.
The Victim Was Afraid to Leave Her Home
The victim told the police she felt anxious and distressed due to Hendry’s behavior and feared his unannounced visits. As a result, she no longer felt safe even in her own home.
Warning Disregarded
Officers from Lancashire Police formally warned Hendry to stop all contact attempts. Nevertheless, he continued reaching out, claiming he was concerned about his ex-partner and her dog. He argued that his actions didn’t constitute harassment as he had not received a written warning from the police.
Court Verdict: Guilty
Cooperation between the police and the Crown Prosecution Service led to a clear conclusion: Hendry’s actions amounted to harassment. Prosecutors emphasized that his conduct was persistent, intimidating, and caused the victim significant psychological harm. Although he initially denied the charges, the court found him guilty.
Authorities Send a Strong Message
The Crown Prosecution Service stated that they will not hesitate to prosecute cases of harassment, whether physical or online. The official statement highlighted that no one should tolerate violations of their personal boundaries, regardless of the offender’s public profile or status.
