A SENTENCING date has been set for a man found guilty of setting his ex-girlfriend’s car on fire in West Oxfordshire.
Gary Smith, of Cotswold Crescent, Chipping Norton, was found guilty by a jury after a trial at Oxford Crown Court this week.
The 35-year-old denied setting fire to an Audi A1 in Chipping Norton on August 27, 2021.
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He was also found guilty of stalking and had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage.
During the trial, the jury heard from Smith’s ex-partner, Sally Dodman-Edwards, who he met on a dating app in April 2021.
She describes Smith’s behaviour as having a ‘massive impact’ on her wellbeing.
“I did not feel secure in my own home,” she said. “I was worried for my children, particularly daughter.
“I sent her and my dog away because I didn’t want them in them in the house in case anything happened.
“The effects it’s had on me and my family…I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through.”
A voicemail was also played to the jury which was left on Ms Dodman-Edward’s phone from Smith.
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He could be heard saying: “Let me be very clear, right, you’re making serious allegations against me for reasons I don’t know.
“There are very serious allegations.”
Smith is now due back in the same court on March 15 for sentencing. He has been remanded into custody during this time.
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