Ballet photographer gets life ban for stalking lover
A ROYAL Ballet photographer who sent his ex-girlfriend a sex toy and a picture mocked-up to show her dog drowning, was ordered yesterday to stay away from her for life.
Andrej Uspenski was subject to a restraining order after stalking Tatiana Novitjenko
Former Swan Lake dancer Andrej Uspenski was subject to an independant restraining order after stalking 35-year-old Tatiana Novitjenko for three months.
Miss Novitjenko had split from Uspenski because he become “aggressive and possessive”.
But Westminster magistrates court heard the 38-year-old defendant turned up at dance studio, bombarded her with angry text messages and sent the sex toy to her as a birthday gift.
This was a short passionate relationship and when it came to an end Mr Uspenski struggled to get over that
He enclosed a card with it, showing what looked like one of her three pet chihuahuas drowning in the River Thames.
Carolyn Mishon, chairwoman of the bench, said: “I am imposing a restraining order until further notice, this is necessary to protect the victim in this case.”
Russian-born Uspenski, who had to end his dancing career at the Royal Ballet because of injury, admitted harassment without violence.
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Yesterday, he was given a 12-month community order, a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.
Katie Bryan, prosecuting, said the pair had an eight-month romance and he moved into her home in Chelsea until she ended the relationship last April.
Raphael Steele, defending, said: “This was a short passionate relationship and when it came to an end Mr Uspenski struggled to get over that.”