An Independent Maldon district councillor who broke a non-molestation order "made to protect" a woman made her "suffer from stress and anxiety daily", a court has heard.

Councillor Chrisy Morris, who represents Heybridge West, was convicted yesterday (Thursday, 27 January) of breaching the non-molestation order by visiting the woman's address in Witham on 22 July 2019.

He was cleared of breaching a further restraining order against the same woman, after the prosecution claimed he had visited the same address on 5 January 2020 and allegedly smashed her and her partner's windscreens.

47-year-old Councillor Morris, who represented himself during the trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, denied both counts.

The woman described the fear she felt from Councillor Morris in a victim impact statement read to the court by Sarah Taylor, prosecuting, following the verdict.

She said: "I'm suffering from stress and anxiety daily."

She added: "I was driving to shops out of the area as I was always worried about bumping into him. I've had sleepless nights and I barely go out anymore."

She continued: "I feel, yet again, wary of going out. Although there is a restraining order in place, Morris can do what he wants when he wants with no remorse.

"I know how he operates and how relentless he can be. He sees no wrong in what he does - it scares me."

Councillor Morris was silent in court as the verdict was read out.

When asked by Judge Timothy Walker if there was anything he wanted to say, he said: "I'm fine."

He told the court he intends to appeal the conviction.

He will remain on bail, on the condition that he does not contact the woman or go to her address, and is set to be sentenced on 28 February.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council said it is "currently restricted by the pre-election period - any comment on this matter at this stage is prohibited".