Former Councillor Found Guilty of Stalking High-Profile Politician

Edward Brandt has been convicted of stalking Penny Mordaunt. The 61-year-old was found guilty at Southampton Crown Court. His campaign lasted from September 2023 to May 2024. The former Conservative MP described lasting psychological distress from his actions.Brandt sent at least 17 emails and three voicemails to Mordaunt. He also attempted to enter her Portsmouth office in December 2023. Security personnel stopped him from gaining access to the MP. According to The Guardian, Mordaunt testified that his behavior was obsessive and caused her significant fear.

Lasting Impact on Safety and Daily Routines

Penny Mordaunt detailed the profound impact on her life. She had to ask colleagues to escort her to her car for safety. New security measures were implemented at her workplace due to the persistent threat. She even instructed her foster child not to answer the door at home.Mordaunt told the court the behavior was not normal. She became increasingly concerned after his office visit. BBC News reported her stating that this threat felt constant. It was something she had to think about every single day, which was more psychologically draining than past, more explicit threats.

Brandt’s Defense and Legal Breach

Edward Brandt claimed his actions were entirely political. He insisted he only wanted to congratulate Mordaunt on her career. He mentioned her role in the coronation and her book as motives. He maintained his contact was harmless and driven by admiration.The jury did not accept his explanation. Brandt had already been given a conditional caution in March 2024. This order required him not to contact Mordaunt. He breached it by leaving more voicemails, stating he would not give up. This disregard for legal boundaries strengthened the case against him.

Verdict and Upcoming Sentencing

The jury returned a guilty verdict by a majority of 10 to two. Brandt was acquitted of the more serious stalking charge involving serious alarm. He was found guilty of the basic offence of stalking. He wept as the decision was announced in court.Sentencing is now scheduled for January 16, 2025. The court will prepare a pre-sentence report before that date. Brandt, now of Lymington, Hampshire, faces the legal consequences of his actions. The case highlights the real psychological harm caused by persistent harassment, even without overt violence.

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The conviction of Edward Brandt underscores a critical issue for public figures: the profound and lasting impact of persistent stalking, which can disrupt safety and create a climate of constant fear, proving that psychological harm is a serious and punishable offense.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Edward Brandt?

Edward Brandt is a 61-year-old former councillor for East Hampshire District Council. He was found guilty of stalking MP Penny Mordaunt. He now lives in Lymington, Hampshire.

What specific actions led to the stalking conviction?

Brandt sent at least 17 emails and 3 voicemails over several months. He also attempted to physically enter Penny Mordaunt’s constituency office in Portsmouth. This pattern of persistent, unwanted contact formed the basis of the case.

How did Penny Mordaunt describe the impact on her life?

Mordaunt said she feared for her safety and experienced significant anxiety. She had to change her routines, including having colleagues escort her and increasing office security. She described the psychological legacy of his actions as very profound.

What was Edward Brandt’s defense?

Brandt claimed his actions were purely political and harmless. He stated he wanted to congratulate Mordaunt on her career and discuss her political reforms. The jury rejected this defense after hearing the evidence.

When will Edward Brandt be sentenced?

Edward Brandt is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16, 2025. The court is preparing a pre-sentence report to assist the judge in determining the appropriate punishment.