Campaigner given two year restraining order

ELY carer and campaigner Edward Mullinger has admitted harassing his former partner after he refused to accept the break up of their relationship. Fifty-year-old Mullinger was warned by police after Helen Richardson complained about his behaviour – but he

ELY carer and campaigner Edward Mullinger has admitted harassing his former partner after he refused to accept the break up of their relationship.

Fifty-year-old Mullinger was warned by police after Helen Richardson complained about his behaviour - but he continued to contact her by phone, and letter, and speak to her when they met in town.

On Thursday Mullinger was given a two-year restraining order, keeping him away from Miss Richardson and her mother Christine Richardson.

Mullinger, of New Barns Avenue, who had denied the offence until the day of trial, was also ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid community work, and pay £250 costs.

Prosecutor Matthew Bradbury outlined a series of incidents that took place during the period of harassment between October 16 last year and January 16 this year.

- Mullinger telephoned Miss Richardson on a land line on October 26, and she hung up. She had previously changed her mobile phone number.

- After collecting items from Miss Richardson's shed, Mullinger left her a seven page note on October 28, asking to resume the relationship.

- Police arrested and interviewed Mullinger on October 29, and he agreed not to contact Miss Richardson.

- Mullinger posted a ring and letter to the address of Miss Richardson's mother, and wrote to Mrs Richardson, saying he wanted her daughter back.

- After they met in Ely town centre on November 27, Mullinger asked for his belongings to be returned.

- When they met at Paradise sports centre on December 5, Mullinger waved at Miss Richardson.

- While visiting a resident at Bamford House in Ely, Miss Richardson felt intimidated when she met Mullinger and he spoke to her.

Barrister Shereen Dyer said Mullinger did not telephone or send letters after his arrest on October 29. The three meetings after that date had been unintentional, and he had turned away from her when they met at the sports centre.

"There was no abuse or threats of violence," she said. "He now shops outside the area and tries to do most of his business out of the area. He has no intention of further contact."

Mullinger has worked for the fire service in this country and France, she said, and has worked for the ambulance service.

He recently travelled to 10 Downing Street to lobby MPs to demand equality for the elderly.