Former footballer James Hurst has been sentenced to prison for harassing his ex-girlfriend and her family over a dispute involving their child. The 32-year-old, who played for West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City, inundated his ex with abusive calls, texts, and emails, violating a non-molestation order.
Hurst, residing in Sutton Coldfield, also made false accusations about her brother-in-law’s farm business in a Tripadvisor review, after the brother-in-law declined his offer of money. He targeted his ex-partner’s mother, who had acted as an intermediary between them.
Prosecutor Maninder Chaggar explained that Hurst and his ex-partner ended their relationship in November 2023 and share a child, who was the subject of prolonged child arrangement proceedings in family court. Hurst was dissatisfied with the court order’s terms, leading to serious incidents.
Representing himself in Birmingham Crown Court, Hurst made counter allegations against his ex, claiming she had been physically abusive and stolen money from him. He argued that jailing him would harm his already declining career due to media coverage.
Judge Roderick Henderson sentenced Hurst to two years in prison, highlighting his ‘obsessive attitude’ and emphasising the need to follow court orders to protect ex-partners and their families. The judge stated that immediate custody was necessary to reinforce this message.
The harassment occurred between December last year and June this year. On December 9, Hurst was aggressive and verbally abusive towards his ex-partner, committed a minor assault, and damaged her car when she collected their child. In January, he sent unwanted messages to her brother-in-law, offering money for contact with his child and leaving a false Tripadvisor review about the farm business, which had a traumatic impact on the brother-in-law.
Despite a non-molestation order being imposed in January, Hurst continued to send controlling and aggressive messages to his ex-partner’s mother, including threats to turn up at her address. He also sent abusive messages to his ex-partner, calling her derogatory names and questioning her personal life. On some days, he made over 50 calls. He was arrested at an airport in June upon returning from holiday and was held in HMP Birmingham on remand until sentencing.
In her victim impact statement, his ex-partner described Hurst as ‘unhinged and capable of anything’. Hurst, who has previous convictions for similar offences, claimed during mitigation that his Tripadvisor allegation was true and expressed regret for his actions, stating media coverage would negatively affect his career. He also alleged his ex-partner had been abusive and stolen money from him, which was under separate investigation.
Hurst insisted his contact was solely to check on their child’s welfare but acknowledged his actions were foolish. He mentioned his emotional distress due to restricted contact with his child and a subsequent holiday to the UAE, followed by a stay at a mental health retreat in Indonesia.
Hurst claimed he was unaware of the non-molestation order until his arrest. He admitted to being impatient and frustrated, believing they could resolve child arrangements outside of court. He highlighted his football career, including his debut for West Bromwich Albion in 2011 and appearances for other clubs, stressing that continued custody would end his career as he had a pending offer from a club.
Hurst had previously pleaded guilty to stalking without harm, harassment without violence, sending false communication with intent to cause harm, and breaching a non-molestation order.