Fylde Coast solicitor squatted in ex-partner's garden shed after break-up

Suspended solicitor James Gregson, 48, who formerly worked for Lancashire Police’s legal department, took up residence in a wooden hut behind Petrina Budden's home in Lytham.

Gregson, of Rossall Road, Ansdell and Miss Budden, 52, had been in a relationship which ended in October last year, Blackpool Magistrates’ Court heard.

Gregson appeared before Magistrates for sentence after he was found guilty of harassment by staying at Miss Budden’s home – uninvited – in nearby Ripon Road .

Pam Smith, prosecuting, said the couple had been partners for four years before the relationship broke down due to Gregson’s drinking.

The prosecutor said: “After the relationship ended it took a year for her to kick Gregson out when his issues with drink got too much.”

The court heard that he would pester her for money and started to sleep in a shed in her back garden each night, using her lawn as a toilet.

He would pester her by knocking on her windows demanding to be let into the house and had threatened to get her evicted, the court heard.

“She felt traumatised and powerless and called the police and even after that he returned and continued to harass her,” said the prosecutor.

Gregson, who also did conveyance in private practice, is currently suspended indefinitely by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority after a previous assault conviction.

The court heard how he hit his grandmother with a pan after losing his temper when Ronnie O’Sullivan missed a snooker shot on TV.

Magistrates heard that at times Petrina felt sorry for him and would make him cups of tea as she felt in some way they were still ‘soul mates’ and he had no friends or family.

But the situation got worse when Budden took in a Spanish lodger.

“Mr Gregson is there all the time and it’s very scary. I don’t know what to do next,” said Miss Budden in a statement provided to the court.

When Gregson was arrested, he told police: “I am using the shed as a last resort. I have no ill feeling towards her.”

Steven Townley, defending, said: “This is a man, a solicitor, who has suffered a substantial fall from grace.

"He worked for Lancashire Police as a solicitor but is now suspended indefinitely from the profession.

“He does feel he was getting mixed messages from this woman and says she did some cooking for him whilst he lived in the shed.”

“He no longer drinks and has found new accommodation.”

Gregson was given an 18 month community punishment with 30 rehabilitation days and must complete a 12 month alcohol treatment programme.

He was also ordered to pay £754 in fines and costs and was made the subject of a restraining order. He is now forbidden from contacting his victim and must not enter her property in Ripon Road or it’s surroundings.