An arrest warrant has been issued for a Lurgan man who was convicted in his absence of threatening to burn down his ex-partner’s home.
In the messages from 30-year-old, he also referred to the injured party as a “whore” and a “rat”, because she had spoken to police.
Gary Davidson, of Union Court, did not appear as he was set to contest charges of improper use of public electronic communications and persistent improper use of communications at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Proving the case, prosecution outlined that August 8, at 11.45pm, police received a report from the injured party that her ex-partner, the defendant, had sent her menacing messages via WhatsApp and social media platforms.
Officers attended her home to record a statement and take pictures of the screenshots on her mobile.
In the messages, Davidson commented that he would “burn” his ex-partner out of her home accompanied by “friends” with fire and smoke emojis also being used.
The defendant also used various slurs, including “whore” and “rat”, to refer to her because she had spoken to police.
When interviewed, Davidson admitted that the messages had been sent from his phone but claimed he had lost it during a fight.
He alleged that the injured party had been using his phone to send these messages to herself.
After Davidson’s non-attendance was confirmed and with no submission from his legal representative, District Judge Bernie Kelly convicted based on the evidence before the court.
An arrest warrant was then issued for the defendant to be produced to court for sentencing.
