Restraining order for Andreas man who harassed ex-girlfriend

25-year-old made 100 unwanted calls over four-day period

An Andreas man has been banned from contacting his ex-girlfriend after subjecting her to more than 100 unwanted phone calls over a four-day period.

Stefan Kelly, of Cooil Veg, appeared at Douglas Courthouse – from police custody - where he pleaded guilty to harassment.

The court was told the 25-year-old had split up with the woman, after 7.5 years, in July and she'd blocked him on social media and from contacting her via phone.

However, on 6 October, Kelly made 13 phone calls from a withheld number, between 10.30am and 6.25pm, and sent her messages including one which said: “I’ll kill myself and it will be on you.”

The following day he made 85 further calls and on 8 October another 13; he also continued messaging her telling her again he’d kill himself and make her life hell.

On 9 October Kelly sent the woman messages saying he was waiting for her outside her workplace adding: “See you soon.”

She called the police and Kelly was arrested - he told officers he’d wanted to see her in person to resolve their issues and wasn’t attempting to scare her.

During sentencing a probation officer told the court the stone mason had spent his 25^th birthday in custody adding: "Mr Kelly accepts he’s overstepped the mark. He regrets his actions."

Kelly’s advocate told the court it was a 'misguided attempt to win back her affections' after ending the relationship adding: "He is remorseful."

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood told Kelly his conduct had been 'intensive' adding: "Your behaviour was extremely concerning and must have caused real distress."

Ordering him to work with the probation service for 12 months she also imposed a 12-month restraining order which bans him from contacting the woman.

Kelly must also pay prosecution costs of £125.