Llandrindod man's harassment 'to get camping gear back'

John Rumbold, 42, initially denied a charge of harassment against a former girlfriend, after their relationship ended in September last year. However, he changed his plea to guilty, and was sentenced this week.

Rumbold, of Trefonen Avenue, Llandrindod, was said to have called the victim repeatedly after the break-up, as well as showing up at her house and sending her unwanted gifts, such as flowers and chocolate.

Rumbold said many gifts that were sent had been ordered prior to the breakdown of the relationship, while the main reason for contacting his ex was because he has still not received his expensive camping gear back.

“They were together from 2021 to 2024, then the victim told him it was over and on September 22, she told him over text she no longer wanted contact,” prosecutor Skye Connors told Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, July 15.

“He then sent chocolates and flowers in October. Two further boxes of flowers arrived and he even attended her address with chocolates and flowers.

“He initially denied the offence, but then pleaded guilty, on the basis that he did not accept calling her from a withheld number.

“He admitted he sent gifts, but he said they were pre-ordered before the end of the relationship. He also said he wanted his camping gear returned.”

In a victim impact statement provided by Rumbold’s ex, she said: “The harassment made me feel shocked and upset. I was frightened of an escalation in his behaviour.”

Owain Jones, representing Rumbold, said: “He accepts that his own calls were unwanted.

“On one occasion he called at her work, it’s quite central to Llandrindod, he was outside and she was on her way into a building. She said she didn’t want to talk and he drove off.

“He didn’t enter the building and didn’t persist in his contact.

“One gift was ordered from America and took a while to get delivered.

“He was upset at the break-up but was eager to get his camping gear. This wasn’t just a sleeping bag, it was serious camping set-up.

“He’s not had his belongings returned, which is £2,000 worth of goods.

“He is remorseful. Once he was arrested he desisted from this course of action.”

Magistrates told Rumbold he would be made the subject of a community order for 12 months; this will include the need to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days, as well as 100 hours of unpaid work.

He was also told to pay a £114 surcharge and £100 costs.

A restraining order will be in place for 12 months.