Former Councillor Jailed 20 Weeks for Stalking Mordaunt

A former East Hampshire District Council member was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison on Friday at Southampton Crown Court after being convicted of stalking Dame Penny Mordaunt, the former Portsmouth North MP who described fearing sexual violence from his persistent and unwanted advances.

Edward Brandt, 61, a professional sailor and divorced father of two from the Isle of Wight, carried out the stalking between September 11, 2023, and May 12, 2024. Court records show he sent at least 17 emails and three phone messages to Mordaunt, initially requesting a half-hour meeting over tea to discuss policy. The communications escalated, with Brandt repeatedly expressing a desire to shake her hand, describing it as "gold-plated and precious" in one message, and suggesting they share a pint. He also sent holiday greetings for Christmas, New Year, and her birthday, while referencing her home address and commenting on her physical appearance, including calling her a "pretty blonde" in a voicemail.

The intrusions peaked when Brandt appeared unannounced at Mordaunt's constituency office in Portsmouth outside regular hours. In December 2023, he attempted to bypass security barriers, setting off...