Sidcup man jailed for breaching non-molestation order

James Rust, 46, has been sentenced for breaching a non-molestation order by visiting his former wife's home in Kent and shouting abuse. The incident occurred on March 9, when Rust knocked on his former wife's door. His arrival and subsequent behaviour were recorded on Ring doorbell footage. His former wife stated that Rust's actions had a "massive emotional and psychological impact", leading her to fear the sound of her doorbell.

Woolwich Crown Court heard that Rust and his former wife divorced in March 2020, after 11 years of marriage. On the day of the breach, Rust arrived at the property and knocked on the door. His former wife answered, told him he could not be there, and closed the door before contacting the police. Rust remained at the address and shouted abuse until officers arrived. He had brought a box of items, stating he wished to leave gifts for his children.

Impact on former wife

In a victim personal statement, Rust's former wife described the ongoing distress caused by his behaviour. "Every time the doorbell goes, we jump out of our skin because we believe he’s going to be turning up again," she stated. She added, "We’ve been constantly looking over our shoulders." She told the court that Rust had "clearly demonstrated he doesn’t listen to the court orders" and described him as "relentless."

Defending, Terence Boulter, said Rust's initial intention was to deliver presents and that he had done little more than leave a box at the door. Mr Boulter also informed the court that Rust had "no intention whatsoever" of drinking alcohol again following a recent health diagnosis, suggesting that addressing his drinking could help prevent future breaches.

Judge's sentencing remarks

Judge Charles Thomas acknowledged that Rust's decision to bring items might not have been malicious from the outset, but emphasised that he knew his presence was "extremely unwelcome". The judge stated that Rust then became "abusive and insulting" and that his actions had "destroyed the peace of mind" his former wife was entitled to have at home. Considering the current incident alongside previous breaches, Judge Thomas described the event as a "very serious breach" which caused "very serious harm."

The judge indicated that the offence would normally warrant a 16-month prison sentence. However, Rust had already spent just over five months on remand, which the judge considered equivalent to serving a 15-month sentence. Judge Thomas concluded that imposing a community order alongside a restraining order would offer better protection for his former wife.

Rust was sentenced to a community order and a restraining order. The court did not specify the duration of the community order or the restraining order in the provided material.