Stalking Protection Order

Good Evening

I have been having issues with an ex partner since the beginning of the year.

My original report of harrassment was closed early on as the officer said it was my word against his, and that it was 'quite sad' as at his interview he just kept saying how much he loved me.

The conduct continued, I continued to report, he was arrested again. During that interview, he claimed that he didn't know the contact was unwanted and that his dad told him it would be OK. The original report was reopened with the new behaviour added, this time it was investigated as stalking. He breached his bail conditions by telephoning me, emailing me, waiting for me at a point he knows I drive past and creating an Instagram account where all his posts were fixated on me. I reported each incident.

Finally, in May, he attended my gym at a time he knew I would be there and cornered me in a quiet area. A cleaner saw what was going on and intervened and provided a witness statement as well.

The following week the CPS declined to charge, saying that they 'cannot be certain that he knew the behaviour would be harrassing'.

I submitted a formal complaint to the police as I felt that the initial officer had believed my ex over me and dismissed it early on. I felt that had my initial complaint been investigated seriously it may have halted the behaviour.

The gym incident was therefore investigated as a new incidence of harrassment. On that occasion, he gave a 'no comment' interview.

He has continued to breach those bail conditions with calls and text messages, which were all reported.

The CPS have now agreed a charge of harrassment and there is a plea hearing early next month. I have not had any contact from my ex for three weeks now which is the longest time since it started.

However, the OIC called me today and said that someone in their team has told him to do a Stalking Protection Order, he compiled the information today. I am confused by this, and it sounded a little like he was too. Google tells me this is a civil order to protect someone before a case gets to Court. It seems a little late in the day. It has been going on all year, and court is under a month away.

I know that they were intending to request a restraining order at Court. Why would they suddenly decide this at such a late stage? Is this likely to have been due to someone reviewing my formal complaint?

I am also anxious that the police have become aware of additional information that raises the risk for me, hence the recommendation to seek the order.

It should be noted that by way of a Clare's Law request I discovered that my ex has a conviction of harrassment against a previous partner as well as charges of domestic violence against others.

Apologies for the long message. I would be grateful if someone could give me an insight as to why an SPO is deemed appropriate at this stage, particularly as the charge is harrassment over stalking.