HAMPSHIRE Constabulary has spoken out to reassure the public that domestic abuse ‘remains a priority’ after an Andover man was jailed for 16 months for harassing his ex-girlfriend.

As previously reported, Leon Fitzpatrick, of no fixed abode, was sentenced on Friday, August 12 for seven offences including three breaches of a non-molestation order implemented in July 2021.

The court heard how the 19-year-old made verbally abusive phonecalls to his ex-girlfriend, as well as sending her numerous messages from anonymous Snapchat accounts.

READ MORE: Andover man, 19,  jailed for 'obsessive' harassment of pregnant ex-girlfriend 

Following his sentencing, DS Sarah Page from Hampshire police’s northern investigation team said: “Fitzpatrick’s conduct has understandably caused the victim a considerable amount of distress and anguish.

“Harassment is a crime of persistence and this behaviour can have devastating effects on those who experience it. 

“Tackling offenders of domestic abuse remains one of our priorities and we will do everything we can to bring perpetrators like Fitzpatrick to justice. 

“I hope this case gives people confidence that we put victims at the heart of investigations and they will always be supported.”