Paignton stalker who dragged partner’s car down street at speed is jailed

Kevin Braithwaite, 64, of no fixed abode, Paignton, has been jailed for 22 months after dragging his ex-partner down the street with his car. He was convicted of stalking, dangerous driving, drink driving, and other offences at Exeter Crown Court.

A stalker has been jailed for 22 months for reversing into his former partner’s car and dragging her down the street at speed.

Kevin Braithwaite, 64, of no fixed abode, Paignton, appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentence on Thursday 7 August having previously been found guilty at trial of dangerous driving and stalking with fear of violence. He was cleared of a criminal damage charge but also convicted of drink driving, failing to provide a breath specimen and driving whilst disqualified.

Braithwaite was also disqualified from driving and a 10 year restraining order was imposed.

During the trial, the court heard how Braithwaite had, over the course of nine months, threatened and intimidated the victim through a third person. Messages sent included phrases such as ‘sitting duck’, and a reference to the location where she was visiting family. Braithwaite had also sent a link to a will writing service in Paignton to the victim, causing her to fear for her life.

Then, on the morning of 8 September 2024, police received multiple 999 calls about a road traffic collision on Dartmouth Road, in Paignton.

The victim described how the defendant reversed into her several times, causing the tow hitch on his car to get stuck on the front of her grill.

Braithwaite then drove off dragging the victim’s car along the road with her still in it, before coming to a stop.

Braithwaite then opened the victim’s driver’s door, punched the victim in the face and pulled her hair in an attempt to drag her out of the vehicle. Members of the public intervened and Braithwaite left the scene.

Braithwaite’s car was soon located outside a hotel in Paignton, hot to touch and smelling of burnt-out clutch. He was arrested inside after being found intoxicated and later made comments about wanting to kill the victim.

Officer in the case, PC Amelia Valentine said: “These offences were utterly terrifying for the victim and have no doubt had a profound effect on her.

“It was only due to luck that the dangerous driving didn’t result in serious injury or worse. 

“I would like to thank her for her bravery in reporting what happened and helping us to ensure Kevin Braithwaite has been brought to justice for his actions.

“The force continues to prioritise tackling violence against women girls, and we urge anybody who has been the victim of such offending to report it to us on 101 or via our website, or by calling 999 if in immediate danger.

“Each report will be investigated and victims supported by our officers.”

To report a crime or if you have information about crime, use the online reporting tool on the Devon & Cornwall Police website, or call 101. If a crime is taking place, call 999.

Crime can also be reported completely anonymously. Visit the Crimestoppers website or call 0800 555 111 to report a crime with 100% anonymity.