'Paranoid' Newtown man arrested at McDonald's for stalking ex

Thomas Molyneux, 45, of St Mary’s Close, appeared before magistrates after a series of incidents which left his former partner suffering anxiety, panic attacks and fearing for her safety.

The court heard that matters escalated on Sunday, February 8, when Molyneux became “paranoid and angry” after looking at his ex-partner’s social media accounts and believing she was with another man.

He took without permission the keys to a grey BMW belonging to Daniel Ward who had allowed him to sofa surf, using the vehicle to drive to her home in Newtown.

Once outside the property, Molyneux revved the engine and repeatedly beeped the horn, gesturing for the victim to open the window. She phoned police, but he drove off - only to return shortly afterwards. The victim locked the doors and windows of the house in fear.

McDonald's restaurant in Newtown. (Image: County Times)

He later returned to Mr Ward’s address “still angry”, before walking to McDonald’s with two bags of presents for his son. It was then discovered that Molyneux had used Mr Ward’s phone to send a message to the victim and had added the her as a friend on social media.

Police arrested him at McDonald’s and further checks revealed he was disqualified from driving for 42 months at the time of the offence.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the woman described suffering severe anxiety, regular panic attacks and being too afraid to go shopping alone in case Molyneux approached her.

“The lies he told me led me to lose friendships,” she said. “I am new to the area, and I feel isolated and that I can’t trust anyone. He accused me of having affairs. It’s hugely affected my confidence.”

Defence solicitor Robert Hanratty said it had been several years since Molyneux had experienced “any significant difficulties” with the court. He said his client was a self-employed builder who did not believe his communication would have been unwelcome but now understood the impact of his actions.

Molyneux had spent time on remand, Welshpool Magistrates' Court was told. “He's very desperate to get out of the prison environment,” Mr Hanratty said.

Molyneux admitted stalking, driving while disqualified and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. He was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for 24 months, for the stalking charge. He received 12 weeks each for the motoring offences, to run concurrently.

His driving ban was extended by a further six months, meaning he cannot drive until late August 2027, and he must also pay £239.

Sentencing, chair of the bench Cynthia McVey said: “The stalking was over a persistent period. There was planning because you used a third-party phone and car. You caused distress and psychological harm, and your ex-partner had to change her behaviour due to her fear of you.

“The reason for suspension is we sincerely hope there is a reasonable prospect of rehabilitation.”

A two-year restraining order was imposed preventing Molyneux from contacting his former partner except through solicitors, social services or a court‑approved third party. He must not go within 100 metres of her home or enter any data on an electronic device relating to her.