Northumberland man cleared of harassing ex-girlfriend
A man accused of harassing his ex-girlfriend and smearing dog dirt on the handle of her car has been cleared.
Aidan Campbell was accused of "waging a campaign" against Julie Clark, including breaking into her home and putting ammonia in her conditioner.
The 36-year-old of Cypress Gardens, Blyth, was cleared of harassment and criminal damage on Wednesday.
Jurors at Newcastle Crown Court could not reach verdicts on counts of burglary and administering a poison.
The court heard how the window fitter and builder "mounted a campaign of harassment" against Miss Clark, including scratching her car, stalking her and smearing dog dirt on the door handle of her car.
Miss Clark told the court Mr Campbell used a copied key to get in her home and stole a CCTV camera and monitor when she was out.
'Selfish and manipulative'
When she later washed her hair, she felt a "stinging sensation" on her hands when she used her conditioner.
She took the bottle to a barbers where a staff member said it smelled of ammonia, jurors heard.
Police sent the bottle for testing and analysis showed the conditioner, which was usually slightly acidic, had turned to an alkaline.
Mr Campbell had been made subject of a restraining order after he admitted harassing and assaulting Miss Clark in August.
After they split up, he went round to her house and left her flowers, wine and chocolates in a bid to win her back, the court heard.
His probation officer described him as "deeply selfish and manipulative".
The prosecution will consider whether to apply for a retrial on the counts of burglary and administering a poison. A hearing will take place on Tuesday.