Former driving instructor who breached restraining order sent to prison

A 53-year-old former driving instructor from Bromley has been sentenced at York Crown Court today (Wednesday 21 September) for breaching a restraining order and being in possession of a knife blade.

Graham Mansie of Woodstock Gardens, Beckenham was sentenced to 20 months in prison and handed an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting his victim – his former driving student Maisie Relph.

A restraining order had been put in place on 18 May 2022 by Bromley Magistrates Court, which prohibited Mansie from contacting Miss Relph in anyway or visiting anywhere where she was living.

Despite receiving that clear instruction from the courts, nine days after receiving the restraining order, Mansie travelled from his home in Bromley to York, where Maisie was living while attending university.

On the 27 May 2022, security at the University of York contacted North Yorkshire Police to report that Mansie had been located on university premises. Officers attended and immediately arrested Mansie for breaching the restraining order. On searching Mansie, officers found him to be in possession of a utility knife blade. A search of his car also uncovered more knife blades.

When questioned by officers, Mansie pleaded guilty to breaching the order and was remanded into custody, until his appearance and sentencing at York Crown Court today.

Speaking about the sentence handed to Mansie, Detective Constable Michelle Neighbour of North Yorkshire Police’s dedicated Stalking Support Team said:

“We’re pleased with today’s sentence and hope that it gives Maisie and her family and friends the reassurance that they can safely carry on with their lives, now that Mansie is behind bars.

“Having someone, who is ordered by the court to stay away from you, brazenly break that order within days and pursue you across the country is a terrifying experience. Maisie has been amazingly brave throughout this investigation and has remained committed to working with us over the past three months to ensure justice is served. She was determined to stand up in court today to read her Victim Personal Statement, so she could talk about the devasting impact this experience has had on her life.

“We hope today’s court result and the swift action of our Stalking Support Team to arrest Mansie and support Maisie, sends a message to other victims of stalking and harassment, that you will be listened to and taken seriously, and we will fully investigate your report. Please do not sit in silence thinking no one will help or believe you – pick up the phone and dial 101 and speak to us.”

The victim, 19-year-old Maisie Relph who was in court today, bravely spoke out about her experience. She said:

“This has been a hugely traumatic time; not only for myself, but for my family and friends who have lived through this with me and been personally affected. This experience has affected my life, my studies, my health and my relationships – it’s had a huge impact.

“I’m pleased with the result from court today and am thankful to North Yorkshire Police for the steps they have taken to put Graham Mansie behind bars. I’m also incredibly grateful to my family, friends and flatmates for all their support through what has been an extraordinarily tough time. I am now looking forward to moving on with my life and enjoying my remaining time at university.

“To anyone who is going through something like this and being stalked, harassed or made to feel unsafe and scared – please come forward straight away and speak to someone. It is not OK for someone to make you feel this way.

“You can contact the police, or if you would prefer, there are lots of stalking support groups and services who can help and support you. Please go online and find out more.

“The most important thing is not to stay quiet and think you have to put up with this kind of behaviour, or think you are overreacting. Trust your instincts and reach out for some help as soon as possible.”

Support and information

North Yorkshire Police’s Stalking Support Team is a dedicated and experienced team which supports stalking and harassment investigations and offers safeguarding advice and safety planning to victims of high-risk stalking cases. To report stalking and harassment you can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or in an emergency always dial 999.

There are a number of other agencies and organisations who can offer advice and support.

The National Stalking Helpline can offer practical advice and information to anyone who is currently or previously affected by harassment and stalking. They can be contacted on 0808 802 0300 or online via their website National Stalking Helpline | Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Protection against stalking is a national charity which raises awareness of stalking and harassment and supports victims and their families. More information is available on their website here - Protection Against Stalking | Look Forward Not Behind

Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire offers free advice and support to all victims of crime. More information is available on their website here - Victim Support | Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire