Overview

• Karl Chads was convicted of burglary, criminal damage and trespass with intent to commit a relevant sexual offence, and the judge described him as dangerous.
• Video shows him kicking at the front door before entering through a bathroom window during a December 2023 break-in.
• He sent abusive messages and threatened the victim’s boyfriend with rape and murder prior to the break-ins.
• Police arrested him at the scene and recovered the victim’s journal, seven condoms, and a backpack containing two glasses and a bottle of wine.
• He was given an indefinite restraining order, and Hertfordshire Police later acknowledged their initial response did not meet required standards and announced improved stalking training.