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A 61-year-old man from Lymington, Hampshire, Edward Brandt, has been convicted of stalking Dame Penny Mordaunt, a former Conservative leadership contender. However, Brandt was acquitted of a more severe charge that involved causing serious alarm or distress through stalking. The case was heard at Southampton Crown Court, where the jury found him guilty by a majority of 10 to two.
During the trial, it was revealed that Brandt repeatedly sent emails and left phone messages for Dame Penny. He also appeared outside her office in Portsmouth after hours, attempting to meet with her. Dame Penny, who served as a Member of Parliament from 2010 until 2024, told police that she feared sexual violence because of Brandt’s unsettling behaviour, describing it as “creepy.” The incidents took place between 11 September 2023 and 12 May 2024.
Brandt, a former councillor of East Hampshire District Council, was initially arrested in March last year. He received a conditional caution the following month which prohibited him from contacting Dame Penny. Despite this, he left two voicemail messages, one of which included the line: “I am going to go on gently knocking at your door in order to shake your hand, I am not giving up.” After the verdict, Brandt was visibly emotional, weeping and covering his face with his hands.
In his defence, Brandt explained his intentions were purely political and “entirely harmless,” saying he wished to congratulate Dame Penny on her leadership attempt, her role at the coronation, and to discuss her political career. He also wanted her to sign a copy of her book. Dame Penny, who became emotional during her testimony, stated that the persistent nature of Brandt’s actions made the situation much harder to cope with than direct threats. She said, “The difference between this case and even threats to shoot me and my family [is that] they are easier to deal with because that threat is not constantly present… I believe this man was a real threat to me and still is.” Brandt has been released on conditional bail and is due to be sentenced on 16 January
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