Wigan mum said she lived in ‘a never-ending nightmare’ after ex-partner began stalking her

The woman, who asked not to be named but who works as a PCSO in Wigan town centre, said that the 10-month campaign began after she broke up with Daniel Allen, who is the dad of her two children, now aged five and seven.

She described how 33-year-old Allen, who is originally from Hindley, would arrive at her house for contact visits and launch tirades of abuse at her while their children were present. He would also turn up at the house uninvited and bombard her with abusive phone messages, either by voice or text.

On one such visit, Allen said to her: "At least I never put my fist through your face. Most men would have f***ing mullered you, they really would."

On another occasion, while she was on patrol with a fellow PCSO in the town centre, Allen began shouting abuse at her in the street.

The 36-year-old woman said: "If he has the mentality to do that to a professional uniformed person in company with another officer, then I dread to think what he could do to me when out and about on my own or with my children."

She added that she became "scared to open her own front door" when Allen's stalking was at its height.

"Danny's behaviour has had a huge impact on me both mentally and physically and its only now that I realise the full impact," she said.

"I used to be a very happy, chatty, and outgoing girl but now I'm figment of the woman I used to be.

"He wore me down over the years and mentally and physically drained the life from me until I wasn't me anymore. I found myself just doing everything I could to keep him happy and lived like I was walking on eggshells.

"I would class myself as a strong and respectable woman who has seen and dealt with many difficult situations in my job role and there's very little in life that bothers me. I can honestly say I have never felt as scared, on edge and anxious about an individual."

At the height of the campaign, she said her home was transformed into a fortress, with the letterbox being blocked to prevent any arson attacks. She also had window alarms, security lights and an extra door chain fitted.

She said: "I was dreading my children playing in the garden and this is usually one of my highlights of summer. I was so uptight and uneasy with them playing out as I knew Danny could come at any point and jump over the fence to get to me.

"On the occasions they did play out I sat facing the fence where he would potentially come over and always had my phone in my hands. It was not a nice feeling and I hope I never need to go through that again.

"I have asked friends not to tag me in locations on Facebook or any social media until after the event as I am scared Danny will find out where I am and turn up.

“I am always on guard, vigilant and checking he is not around when I am on the school run to take and pick up my children. I always have visions of him standing next to my car causing a scene at the school gates. I have even had to inform class teachers and other staff in the school of the situation with Danny and his behaviour in case he should attempt to pick the children up.

“Even a quick visit to the shops or going to the gym has become an effort and I have found myself using facilities outside of the Wigan borough. I don't feel safe anywhere in Wigan because I fear that he could be around the next corner.

"I know I shouldn't have to live my life in this way, but the last 10 months have been like I'm living in a never-ending nightmare.

"I believe he will go to any lengths to get to me no matter what that may be. I don’t believe he will stop until he gets what he wants, and that’s me.”

Allen appeared at Preston Crown Court on Monday (May 20) to be sentenced after pleading guilty to stalking putting a person in fear of violence.

The court heard Allen and his victim had been in an on-off relationship for around 10 years. However in the summer of 2020, she ended the relationship and Allen began his stalking campaign.

He told her he wanted notice if she began seeing anyone else, so that he could "vet" them. In December 2021, the victim told Allen she had met someone - triggering six months of what was described as "disgraceful, inappropriate, reprehensible behaviour" from her ex-partner.

The victim read out her own impact statement during the sentencing hearing.

Huw Edwards, defending, said Allen suffered from ADHD and substance misuse. He was also a carer for his brother, who has a spinal injury, he said.

Sentencing, Recorder Jones said: "This was an absolutely disgraceful piece of offending committed by you in which you displayed a staggering selfishness and complete lack of care or regard to your children who witnessed your behaviour, and who live every day with their mother's anxiety and fear - which is a result of what you did."

Allen, of Fearnhead Close, Farnworth, received a sentence of 22 months in jail, suspended for two years, with a four month curfew from 7pm to 7am and a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

She also granted a wide-ranging 10-year restraining order. This prohibits Allen from contacting his ex or their children, from going to Wigan town centre, Robin Park, The Brick Community (formerly DW) stadium, or anywhere he knew she would be, or from posting about her or the children online.