Five-year restraining order placed on Dagenham woman who “soiled” friend’s knickers

Archant

A woman who entered a friend’s empty home and “soiled” a pair of her knickers has been given a five-year restraining order.

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Claire Darbyshire, of Wykeham Green, Dagenham, took the house keys belonging to her friend and boss Lisa Ford before leaving the Body Jewels shop, Gale Street, Dagenham, where they both worked.

Prosecutor Helen Taylor said Darbyshire had then gone inside and “soiled” a pair of Ms Ford’s knickers as well as using items of clothing.

Darbyshire pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Fearful

On hearing the facts District Judge Mary Connelly said the incident was “rather more sensitive than just breaking somebody’s window” and opted to make a restraining order on the 34-year-old.

Defending herself in court, Darbyshire said: “Since it has happened I have regretted it. I have been worrying about it every day and since the police got involved I have been really scared.

“I certainly wouldn’t do anything like this again because it has so worried me.”

Speaking after the sentencing, Ms Ford, 43, of Wix Road, Dagenham, said: “I feel like she has totally betrayed me.

“I feel unsafe at the moment because I don’t know how much further she could go. She was meant to be a friend and someone I trusted.”

The owner of the Body Jewels shop also said she has had changed her locks three times since the incident.

Darbyshire was ordered to pay a fine of £100, compensation for the knickers at £20, a £20 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

Contacting Ms Ford directly or indirectly or visiting her home or place of work would breach the restraining order and could see her jailed, District Judge Connelly warned.