Accused stalker
A cleaner accused of stalking an ice cream parlour boss will stand trial in October.
Russell Westwood, 62, was offered cleaning work and a place to sleep by Rowan Joyce.
But after a series of outbursts at staff Ms Joyce let him go, it was said.
Westwood allegedly embarked on a campaign of harassment against Ms Joyce and her employees between October 2018 and May 2020.
He posted leaflets in the local area alleging the cafe had poor hygiene following his dismissal, it was said.
The cafe originally paid him £200 a week to clean Ms Joyce’s South Street Coffee and Ice Cream Shop in Isleworth, west London, in 2018.
He was also allowed to sleep overnight as he told the owner he slept in his car.
Maria Cullen, prosecuting, earlier said: ‘The defendant was working as a cleaner for the cafe.
‘He came to be dismissed, they were dissatisfied with his work and verbal arguments with other members of staff having been unhappy about that he began to behave in an unacceptable manner that amounts to stalking.
‘The owner became aware that the defendant was making free lunch every day and the quality of the cleaning work was bad, she wanted to speak to him about the way he shouted at members of staff.
‘He was told that he could keep his job if he apologised, he immediately became angry, offensive and abusive.’
When confronted about the defamatory leaflets Westwood allegedly said ‘You have ruined my life, so I’m going to ruin yours’.
He also denies pouring paint on cafe worker Siobhan Treacy’s car or threatening to burn the cafe down.
Liam Gregory, prosecuting, said: ‘In essence it’s an ongoing stalking and harassment case, The Crown say of the complainants by this defendant.’
Westwood, of Montrose Avenue, Twickenham, appeared at Kingston Crown Court to deny criminal damage, threatening to destroy or damage property and displaying a sign ‘with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress’.
He will formally enter pleas to two counts of stalking at a later date.
Westwood has been bailed on condition not to go to South Street or contact any of the complainants or witnesses ahead of a trial on 11 October 2021.
ENDS
