A stalker who subjected a woman to physical and psychological abuse has been jailed after breaching a court order forbidding him from visiting her town.

Brendan Robb was given a 10-year stalking protection order for domestic abuse after a hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court in April 2022.

It prevented the 35-year-old from contacting the victim and included an exclusion zone banning him from being anywhere in Swanley.

However, the victim recognised him walking along Northview while she was driving with her children on April 20 last year.

Robb was trying to conceal his identity by wearing a baseball cap, hooded top and camouflaged face mask.

He was recognised due to his distinctive walk linked to a previous leg injury.

A photo was taken of him on a mobile phone, despite him trying to hide behind a car and then running away.

He was then seen by another witness pulling his mask down and revealing his face.

Robb, of Steyning Grove, Eltham, in south London was arrested after wearing the same distinctive patterned mask in Tunbridge Wells the following day.

He was charged with breaching a stalking order and was remanded in custody.

After pleading guilty, he was sentenced to two years and three months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday (April 25).

DC Paul Wells, of the West Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team, said: "Robb had previously subjected his victim to persistent physical and psychological abuse, and his contempt for the restrictions contained within the stalking prevention order has caused even further distress, fear and anxiety.

"Stalking can have a devastating effect on victims’ lives and can be incredibly frightening but as this case hopefully shows, we remain committed to protecting victims and ensuring offenders are swiftly brought before the courts.

"I would also like to remind people there is a wealth of support on offer to anyone subjected to this kind of abuse.

"No one needs to suffer in silence, and I would encourage anyone to report any concerns they may have to us.

"We also work with a number of other organisations to offer support to victims so they can feel safe again."