A Deptford stalker who was found hiding under his ex-partners bed, is one of the first people in the country to be jailed under new harassment laws.

Kevin Rainbow, 28, of Evelyn Street, was described as "relentless and manipulative" by Judge Shani Barnes last week (April 4) at Lewes Crown Court, where he was sentenced to 18 months in prison and given a restraining order against his former partner.

At previous hearings, the dad-of-two admitted stalking, harassment, criminal damage and common assault. He can now only talk to his former partner via solicitors.

In January, he was released on bail following charges relating to an assault against his former partner of five years.

Upon release, Rainbow continued to stalk and harass his ex outside her home and work, even lurking outside her parents’ home in Sussex, where she had fled to feel safe.

Once seen, Rainbow chased and grabbed his ex, before her father intervened and the police were called to the scene.

Whilst taking statements from the family, a noise was heard upstairs. Officers on the scene ran upstairs to discover Rainbow hiding under his ex’s bed.

In sentencing, Judge Barnes told Rainbow: "I consider you to be a dangerous individual and suggest that you present a high risk of future harm."

Rainbow was sentenced to 18 months for stalking, along with lesser concurrent sentences for the other offences.

Amendments made to the Protection from Harm Act mean that any stalking involving serious harm, violence or distress is now considered a criminal offence.

Detective Constable Stuart Macpherson from the West Sussex Adult protection team said in a statement: "What he would have done if we had not found him under that bed can only be guessed at.

"It sends another signal that we take all such reports seriously. You don’t have to put up with this kind of behaviour."

If you’re a victim of domestic abuse, contact the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.