Former Premier League winner Colin Hendry has avoided jail after bombarding his ex with unwanted calls and gifts.
Hendry, 59, pleaded guilty to harassment without violence at Preston Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The former defender, who won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1995, was sentenced to a 12-month community order and restraining order.
Hendry had been accused of harassing his former partner for a period of over six weeks after their relationship ended.
The prosecution said this included sending her messages from multiple different email accounts, utilising No Caller ID to call her after she blocked his number.
When his calls went unanswered, he turned to other means including dozens of emails and messaging her on LinkedIn.
Former Premier League winner Colin Hendry has avoided jail after bombarding his ex with unwanted calls and gifts (pictured in June 2024)
Hendry had been accused of harassing his former partner for a period of over six weeks after their relationship ended (pictured left in July 2023)
Hendry is a former Scotland football captain, who led his country to major tournaments in the 1990s
Hendry had reportedly showed up to her house with unwanted gifts and flowers on several occasions, despite being told by his ex-partner that she no longer wanted any kind of relationship with him.
His former partner had reported Hendry to the police, stating that she felt depressed and anxious due to his behaviour, adding that she was unable to leave the house without fearing an unannounced visit from him.
Hendry was warned by Lancashire Police about his behaviour and was warned to cease all unwanted communications with his ex-partner.
He admitted to his conduct but denied it was harassment, claiming he had not received a written warning from police.
Hendry continued to contact her despite the warning, claiming he was concerned for his ex-partner and her dog.
Lancashire Police then worked with the Crown Prosecution Service to prove his behaviour amounted to harassment.
Natasha Clark, Senior Crown Prosecutor for Crown Prosecution Service North West, said the verdict showed the CPS will not hesitate to prosecute anyone guilty of harassment.
Hendry reportedly showed up his victim’s house with unwanted gifts on several occasions
The former defender was sentenced to a 12-month community order and restraining order
‘Colin Hendry harassed a former partner for over six weeks after their relationship ended after she stopped returning his calls,’ Clark said.
‘He ignored her wishes and breached boundaries she put in place, using multiple different platforms to contact her. Hendry’s behaviour was intimidating and persistent, causing the victim immense distress, but despite this he initially refused to accept it was harassment.
‘This outcome is a clear indication that the CPS will not hesitate to prosecute anyone guilty of harassment whether this is in person or online.’