A MAN convicted of stalking and harassing his former partner was warned in no uncertain terms that a suspended sentence imposed on him would be activated “without a shred of doubt” if he put the victim in fear again.
Judge James Faughnan was told the defendant, who faced two charges under the Domestic Violence Act, was pleading guilty to an offence relating to texting and sending unwanted images to his former partner. It was evident from the details in the messages sent that he was following and observing her movements and activities.
The identities of those involved are not revealed to protect the identity of the victim.
The court heard that the defendant and his victim had been in a relationship which had ended. They had a child together. In one text he accused her of leaving their child to go and have sex with another man by the lakeshore in Loughrea.
Judge Faughnan heard the defendant had 34 previous convictions, mostly for traffic offences.
Gearóid Geraghty solr (defending ) said his client was 30 and working. He now understood the nature of his behaviour and regretted it.
His victim told the Judge that things had got better between them and he was now paying maintenance for their child.
Judge Faughnan imposed a ten-month prison sentence, suspended for three years. He warned the defendant “I will activate this sentence without a shred of doubt if you put this lady in any fear again.”
