A stalker who drove his car at a woman during a three-month campaign of intimidation has been locked up.
Thomas McGuigan used his car as a way of frightening the victim on a number of occasions between August and November last year.
He also climbed into her home through a window and made threats to damage her own vehicle.
McGuigan, aged 32, was jailed for a total of one year at Nottingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to stalking, two counts of dangerous driving and threatening to destroy or damage property.
Officers began investigating McGuigan in November 2022 when the victim reported he had turned up at her home late at night and made threats after banging on her door.
He had also made further threats on Facebook that he was going to deflate the tyres on her car.
His victim revealed the intimidation had been taking place for around three months.
On 6 August McGuigan gained entry to the woman’s home and only left after being disturbed.
He returned to the victim’s home on 7 November and drove his car into her hedge twice.
Later the same day, the victim was driving in Clifton when McGuigan spotted her while he was travelling in the opposite direction.
He crossed the carriageway, causing the victim to believe he was driving straight at her.
Police Constable Sian Gray-Finch, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I’d like to commend this victim for her bravery throughout the ordeal McGuigan subjected her to. I hope it brings her some comfort that he is now behind bars.
“Keeping women safe and supporting victims of this kind of appalling behaviour are priorities for the force.
“We treat reports of this nature incredibly seriously, listen to victims and will always do our very best to investigate and seek justice for them.”
McGuigan was also given a five-year restraining order and banned from driving for 12 months after the hearing on 7 April.
Nottinghamshire Police urges victims of harassment, their friends and family to seek help and report it to the police at the earliest opportunity. Officers and partner organisations will listen to and support victims in any way they can.
The following organisations offer support to survivors of domestic abuse within Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire Police is part of the Make Yourself Heard Campaign, which aims to show people how they can report an emergency when it is not safe to speak.
Dialling 55 after calling 999 takes you through to a silent call service, whereby call handlers will give you specific directions on how to report your emergency.
Support is also available via the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number – run by Refuge – on 0808 2000 247 and online at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Police Silent Solution: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Documents/research-learning/Silent_solution_guide.pdf
For more information about Domestic Abuse please read this supporting survivors of domestic abuse page.
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Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid website
Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid provides an extensive range of services for women, young people and children.
Newark Women’s Aid provides safe accommodation, with associated support services, for women with or without children, who are living with or have experienced any form of physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic abuse. Tel: 01636 679687
The UK’s only registered charity arranging Non-Molestation Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders & Occupation Orders
Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence and abuse.
It offers emotional support, practical advice and information on a wide range of services for further help and support.
Juno’s 24-hour domestic and sexual violence helpline offers support to women, teenage girls and children who have been affected by domestic or sexual abuse.
Tel: 0808 800 0340
Email: enquiries@junowomensaid.org.uk
Deaf and hearing-impaired women can access the Helpline by:
Text Relay/NGT: 18001 0808 800 0340 24 hours a day
Email: helpline@junowomensaid.org.uk daily, 9am – 9pm
Equation: Domestic abuse support for men
Equation provide a free helpline for men which is available Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
A 24/7 confidential answerphone service is also available.
Call: 0115 960 5556
Email: helpline@equation.org.uk
Nottinghamshire Alliance Against Violence
Make a stand against violence. ‘Like’ our Alliance Against Violence Facebook page
Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Service website
NIDAS is a registered charity, formerly known as Mansfield and Ashfield Women’s Aid.
Its aim is to help people experiencing domestic abuse.
They work hard with other agencies to raise awareness of domestic abus
Karma Nirvana is a registered charity that supports victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
A free to download app providing support and information to those affected by Domestic Abuse, available in 5 languages, has a unique directory of support services and links of further resources including a journal which you can record incidents.
Safeguarding people- a simple shake or tap activates Hollie guard, immediately notifying your chosen contacts, pinpointing your location and sending audio and video evidence directly to their mobile phones.
Broxtowe Women’s Project (BWP)
BWP are here to help women living in the Borough of Broxtowe who are experiencing domestic abuse.We provide a confidential helpline, outreach service, training courses and drop in sessions, all aimed at empowering women and to help them survive domestic abuse.
Find out more about our services below.
Call us if you need our help on 01773 719 111 or email enquiries@broxtowewp.org
