Suspended sentence for Derry man who breached restraining order
Man sent a Mother's Day card as well as messages and texts to his former partner
Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how a man sent a Mother's Day card as well as messages and texts to his former partner in breach of a Restraining Order.
Ken Dougherty (68) of Primity Park in Newbuildings outside Derry admitted one charge of breaching the order between February 27 and March 11 this year.
The court heard that the defendant's former partner contacted police to say she had received messagesfrom Dougherty.
The first occasion was on February 27 and then again in March.
She also said she had received a Mother's Day card signed by the defendant again in breach of the Order.
When questioned Dougherty said there was 'nothing malicious or threatening in the messages.'
Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that his client had received a suspended sentence last year when the Restraining Order had also been imposed.
He said his client 'candidly and totally' accepted the charge.
The barrister said that Dougherty had placed himself 'in a precarious position.'
Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said that he had no doubt that the defendant was aware of what the Restraining Order meant.
He said he would give Dougherty one final opportunity and reminded him that the Restraining Order was for the protection of the victim.
Dougherty was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for three years.