Abergele funeral home worker guilty of harassing ex-partner

Sep 19 2008 By Shelley Coyle

Llandudno Magistrates Court

A JILTED Abergele man was found guilty of harrassing his ex-partner after plying her with unwanted champagne and flowers.

John Yale, from Twll Llwynog, was found guilty of harassment at Llandudno Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Yale had met the complainant, Nicola Davies, a funeral home worker at Hughes Jones, on the day of his wife’s death in October 2006. He later began work at the same Abergele funeral home and began a relationship with Nicola.

After a series of arguments, Nicola ended the relationship by telephone on May 6. The break-up instigated what would prove to be a deeply troubling period for her. Yale persisted in telling her: “You’re stunning, you’re beautiful, I love you. I want you back.” She responded: “You know it’s over, please leave me alone.”

Yale confirmed in court that between May 16 and June 18, he subjected Nicola to unwanted attention, ranging from radio requests, flowers and champagne, to assault and hurling abuse at her in the street.

On May 15, Nicola contacted police after being followed home. Yale had grabbed her arm, saying: “I will never leave you alone.” Nicola was reduced to tears by his actions.

On her 40th birthday, flowers and champagne were sent to her at work. She returned them, only to be told that numerous other bouquets had been purchased by Yale.

On June 12, Nicola received a call from a friend of Yale’s who asked her to turn on the radio. She was disturbed to find a song had been requested for her on Smooth FM by the defendant.

On June 18, Yale followed Nicola home after work and subjected her to a torrent of abuse at a bus stop.

His actions had a devastating impact on Nicola. She told the police: “Four months after ending the relationship, I am emotionally and physically drained. I don’t want my son to see me crying. My sleep has been greatly affected and I have no work satisfaction.”

The defence stated that while Yale accepted the allegations, he rejected the “minutiae of details” and “did not believe that his conduct amounted to harassment”.

He was charged £160 for harassment and ordered to pay an additional £60 in court costs and a £15 victims’ surcharge. Yale was placed under a restriction order which only allows him to speak to Nicola regarding work matters and is forbidden from contacting her son.

Nicola later told the Weekly News: “I’m very glad it’s over and feel that justice has been done.”