THE father of a policeman who died a hero has been found guilty of harassing his ex-partner and vandalising her car.
Don Speakman, 58, of Churton Street, Chester, sent text messages, letters and made phone calls to Alexandra Rowlands, also from Chester, after their relationship ended.
Speakman was also found guilty of criminal damage - the court heard that on one occasion Miss Rowlands' car was so badly vandalised it was written off.
Speakman was bailed on condition he does not contact Miss Rowlands or her current partner Andrew Gratrix, enter Warrington between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, or enter Reservoir Terrace in Chester at any time.
Wirral Magistrates Court in Birkenhead heard Speakman - who retired in 2003 after 36 years as a police constable - began his campaign of harassment against Miss Rowlands after their six year relationship ended and he saw her with another man.
Miss Rowlands said Speakman had been 'greatly affected' by the death of his son Jonny, a Cheshire Police constable
who heroically gave up his life to save a young boy in Australia in January 2005.
During the case Mr Speakman appeared to almost break down at the mention of his son's death.
Speakman and Miss Rowlands had been in a relationship for about six years and she said the split had been amicable at first but became less amicable.
Miss Rowlands said her front door lock had been super-glued, paint stripper thrown on of her home, and her car and a replacement courtesy car vandalised.
The court was presented with CCTV footage from equipment set up first by Miss Rowlands and later Cheshire Police which the prosecution claimed showed Speakman at her property.
Speakman was convicted of harassment between August and December 2006 as well as one charge of criminal damage between November 3-11. Another charge of criminal damage between October 14-17 was dismissed.
He was remanded on conditional bail while pre-sentence reports are prepared. Sentencing will take place on July 17.
