A Lurgan man who sent threatening messages to his ex-partner, from whom he had split over a year prior, has been sentenced to 18 months probation.
Court heard the messages the 27-year-old sent led the injured party to self harm.
Patrick Wilson, of Churchill Park, appeared for sentencing on harassment and persistent improper use of communications to cause anxiety at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecution outlined that on August 25, at around midnight, the injured party received a message from the defendant, who was her ex-partner.
She then messaged him back saying she did not wish for him to contact her and to stop.
However, Wilson continued to message her.
Many of these were messages in which he said he still loved her, but others were of a more threatening nature.
The defendant messaged to say he was coming to her home or was in her home waiting for her to return.
The injured party told police that the relationship between the two had ended over a year previous.
Over 100 messages were sent to the female between midnight and 1am.
This made the injured party anxious and drove her to self harm.
It was the next day when a friend, after seeing cuts on the injured party’s arms, advised her to call police that the report was made.
During interview, Wilson made no response to questioning.
District Judge Steven Keown commented on whether a restraining order would be sought.
Defence barrister Seamus Lannon stated: “That might actually help. This is a very positive report. The authors recommend a probation order which could work in conjunction with a restraining order.”
District Judge Keown said: “He is also subject to a suspended sentence which he was handed recently, so that is also hanging over his head.”
Wilson was sentenced to 18 months probation and 18 month restraining order was also put in place.
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