Stalker caught red-handed thanks to hi-tech SmartWater spray
David Buen, 52, was slapped with a five-year restraining order last September after being convicted for controlling and coercive behaviour. But he just couldn’t stay away, breaking the order twice within months.
Breaking the law – twice
Buen first breached the order in October 2023 and was promptly recalled to prison. Released again, he showed up at his victim’s home in Alfreton in April 2024, blatantly ignoring the court’s demands.
SmartWater seals the deal
The victim, armed with a SmartWater canister as part of a police scheme to protect stalking and domestic abuse victims, sprayed Buen when he turned up at her home on 21 April. This invisible liquid glows under UV light and uniquely identifies perpetrators.
Officers arrested Buen and shined an ultraviolet light over him, revealing SmartWater on his skin and clothes. Photos were taken and used in his police interview, where he admitted the offence.
Justice served in Derby Crown Court
Buen, who has no fixed address, faced Derby Crown Court on 11 June. He pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order and committing an offence during a suspended sentence. He was jailed for 32 weeks and slapped with a 10-year Stalking Protection Order.
SmartWater tech makes history
This case marks one of the first domestic abuse-related prosecutions nationally using SmartWater in the evidence chain. West Yorkshire Police scored the first conviction with this forensic marking system back in 2022 when a man was jailed for breaching a non-molestation order.
