A Portsmouth headteacher was stalked by her former husband who secretly installed a voice recorder and tracking device in her new vehicle months after their divorce proceedings began, a court was told.
A Portsmouth school head has been sentenced after admitting to stalking his ex-wife by concealing surveillance equipment in her car following their divorce filing, Portsmouth Magistrates Court heard.
Ms Quaid serves as executive principal of two educational establishments catering to pupils with complex learning needs. She oversees Littlegreen Academy in Chichester, which educates boys aged 7-16, and Redwood Park Academy in Portsmouth for children aged 11-16.
The court heard how Ms Quaid described coping with the distress caused by her former husband’s ‘invasive’ conduct – including vehicle damage – as resembling a ‘full-time occupation’.
Grada, residing on Southwood Road, Hayling Island, received a 12-month community order after admitting charges of stalking and criminal damage against Ms Quaid, his wife of seven years.
The court also imposed a five-year restraining order barring him from her residence and workplace locations.
Prosecutor Laura Jenking-Rees informed the court that divorce proceedings commenced in October 2023.
Following Ms Quaid’s car purchase in February 2024, her ex-husband began appearing at locations she visited on 10, 11 and 12 February.
This prompted her to examine the vehicle, discovering a voice recording device beneath the steering wheel alongside a tracking device, plus damage she attributed to Grada.
In June, he appeared at a property where Ms Quaid was expected – claiming this was coincidental. He also seemingly pursued her vehicle on a separate occasion.
The prosecutor stated: “Whilst driving, [Ms Quaid] observes him stationary. He appears to pursue her, halts behind her…before departing.”
Following Ms Quaid’s police report, officers confiscated Grada’s mobile phone, uncovering audio recordings of a ‘woman speaking inside a vehicle’.
Ms Jenking-Rees explained: “He had essentially captured conversations whilst she occupied the car.”
Ms Quaid’s victim impact statement, read by the prosecutor, revealed the stalking ‘impacts her professional duties’. She described feeling ‘extremely nervous’ and ‘constantly alert’ when venturing out.
Ms Quaid stated: “Contemplating these incidents, I experience persistent stress and anxiety. Managing my anxiety has become like full-time employment.”
- Man charged after police seize drugs and £10,000 in Aldershot
- Police seek witnesses after Odiham shed burglary
Defence counsel Bridget O’Hagan argued the offences occurred when Grada had reached ‘his lowest point’.
During sentencing, Judge Kevin Hill commented: “I am imposing sentences for two charges – stalking and criminal damage.
“These constitute grave matters, with the stalking incorporating a voice recording device and tracking equipment in her vehicle. This renders it exceptionally serious due to its invasive character, and I have considered the consequences these actions have had upon her.”
Judge Hill acknowledged Grada felt ‘remorseful’ regarding his conduct. His sentence includes 20 rehabilitation sessions and 80 hours of community service. He must additionally pay a £114 victim surcharge plus £85 in costs.
