Stalking Complaint Against Former Leader’s Ex-Wife Discontinued

Police have stated that an individual, previously identified as an alleged victim of domestic violence and accused of stalking a former council leader, is no longer considered a suspect. Jonathan Nunn, aged 59, served as the Conservative leader of West Northamptonshire Council until his resignation, which followed reports from five women to the BBC alleging that he had assaulted them. In February, Mr. Nunn had already filed a police report against one of his alleged victims, his former spouse Maria Botterill, and informed a council gathering that he was experiencing a “sustained harassment campaign.” Mr. Nunn vehemently denied these accusations, stating that “domestic abuse was never acceptable.” He currently serves on the council as an independent member. A representative for Northamptonshire Police announced that, subsequent to a “thorough investigation” into Mr. Nunn’s complaint of stalking and harassment, no additional measures would be pursued. Mrs. Botterill asserted that, during her relationship with Mr. Nunn in the 1990s, she was subjected to being kicked, punched, and threatened with a knife. Subsequently, in 2004, he was found guilty of assaulting his second wife, Janice Nunn, an incident that resulted in her sustaining bruising across her shoulder, arms, chest, back, buttocks, and legs. Mr. Nunn expressed deep regret for the assault, stating it was uncharacteristic of him; however, in April, the BBC disclosed additional allegations that he had spat at and violently abused four other women as recently as 2013. He has also faced an accusation of throttling a neighbor. On September 15, eight male police officers went to Mrs. Botterill’s residence with the intention of arresting her and confiscating devices, an action she characterized as “intimidating” and “heavy-handed.” Surveillance camera footage depicted officers inquiring about her location from a family member and staff at a neighboring nursery business. Another attempt to arrest her occurred on October 6; however, Mrs. Botterill was absent from her home on both dates. Forty-eight hours later, a senior detective communicated via email, informing her that, following a review of the matter, she was no longer considered a suspect. The detective stated, “The case was reviewed by me due to Mr Nunn’s public role and this is entirely consistent with force practice.” He added, “It became clear that your actions, although damaging, were not criminal in nature.” Mrs. Botterill expressed being “frightened” of her former husband and characterized his complaint as “bizarre and horrifying.” She informed the BBC: “I am told [the attempted arrest] was a response to emails sent before April to public servants and for attending two public meetings in March when domestic violence was being discussed by the council and where I conducted myself with dignity.” She further stated: “As much as I have received a police apology, it doesn’t take away from the worry it has caused as I have never been in trouble my entire life.” In April, law enforcement officials indicated they were conducting “preliminary inquiries” into the domestic abuse allegations against Mr. Nunn, and at least one of his alleged victims had been interviewed after consenting to share her information with the BBC. Mr. Nunn has not been apprehended or interrogated concerning these recent allegations. He relinquished the Conservative whip in May but continues to serve as an independent councillor, attending his initial council meeting since March on September 27. It is understood that non-attendance could have led to his removal from the council under the six-month rule. Mr. Nunn was contacted for a statement. For updates on Northamptonshire news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.