Overview
- Edward Brandt, 61, is on trial at Southampton Crown Court accused of stalking intended to cause serious alarm or distress, a charge he denies.
- Jurors heard Brandt say in interview that his contact was harmless, that he only wanted to shake Mordaunt’s hand and congratulate her, and that his interest was political.
- A security officer testified Brandt pushed through a gate at Mordaunt’s Portsmouth office on December 16, 2023, triggering an alarm before being escorted out.
- Prosecutors say Brandt sent repeated emails, messages and voicemails, was given a conditional caution in April 2024 not to contact her, then left further messages in May and failed to complete a victim awareness course.
- Mordaunt and her office manager described increased security, personal alarms and changed routines, with the impact extending to staff and her foster child.