Trumpington stalker who followed victim and disconnected broadband at her Cambridge home is jailed

A stalker from Trumpington who followed his ex-partner and disconnected the broadband to her home has been jailed.

Bartlomiej Smentek, 42, of Byron Square, let himself into the victim’s home in Cambridge on 3 August and refused to leave, breaching a non-molestation order imposed on him the previous week.

When the victim called police, Smentek eventually left but took a door key.

The woman installed CCTV and captured footage of him on multiple occasions throughout August.

On 22 August, Smentek wedged a broom under the handle on the front door to prevent her opening it and disconnected the broadband cables..

He went to the property at about 12pm and said he could fix the issue with the internet, before following the victim as she drove.

On 25 August, police received an anonymous call reporting a disturbance at the victim’s home but when officers attended it appeared to be a hoax. The call was traced to Smentek.

Two days later, the woman spotted Smentek cycle past her car and when she got home, she found her broadband had been disconnected again.

On 31 August, Smentek returned and shouted at the victim. Police were called and he was arrested nearby.

Smentek initially denied stalking but admitted the offence on the first day of a trial at Peterborough Crown Court in January. He also admitted nine breaches of a non-molestation order.

He was jailed on 11 March at Cambridge Crown Court for four years and three months.

Det Con Joanna MacKenzie said: “This was a harrowing ordeal for the victim as Smentek persistently went to her home and caused her distress.

“I hope the conclusion of the court process, and Smentek’s subsequent jail sentence, will provide some comfort for her.

“We’re working hard to tackle domestic abuse in all its forms, including stalking and harassment.”

For information and advice on stalking, visit Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website.