Hefty fine for sending vile messages to ex

A Moodiesburn man who sent vile, abusive text messages and voicemails to his ex-partner – including a threat to murder her – has been heavily hit in the pocket.

Lee Murawski fired off 15 repulsive texts and two offensive voicemails to his stunned female victim on July 1 this year.

The 40- year- old, whose address was given as Glenmanor Avenue, entered a guilty plea at Airdrie Sheriff Court 10 days later and returned for sentencing last week following the completion of background reports.

Procurator fiscal Yolande Love described Murawski’s actions towards his victim on the day of the incident to the court: “The accused and complainer were together for six years and the relationship ended five years ago.

“The complainer saw the accused and they both began communicating by text message.

“At 9pm, the conversation turned sour and the accused became abusive, calling the complainer ‘a slut’, ‘a slag’ and ‘a lying b******’.

“He also called and left her voicemails and said he hoped the complainer would die and threatened the wellbeing of anyone else she became involved with.

“The complainer contacted the police. They read the messages, one of which said, ‘I will f****** murder you’.

“In total there were 15 text messages and two voicemails, and while the police were in attendance, the accused called 10 times.”

Defence solicitor Ian Brechny claimed his client recognised the pain and terror his atrocious actions had caused, saying in mitigation: “There was a level of cooperation after he had sobered up. He is properly ashamed of his conduct.

“He does not blame alcohol for the offences, but he had been drinking. His behaviour was totally unacceptable.

“He has a record that does himself no credit whatsoever, but it has been four years since he was last in trouble.

“He has issues with anger management and abuse of alcohol.

“He would carry out any order the court decided to impose.”

But Sheriff Derek O’Carroll decided to hammer Murawski with a hefty financial penalty – and warned him he faces prison time if he doesn’t pay up.

The sheriff told Murawski: “You’ve got some form for this sort of thing. You used some pretty unpleasant words [in the messages].

“This has not reached the stage of custody, but you are not far off as this offence was serious.

“I will impose a fine of £1200. This would’ve been £1800 if not for the stage of your plea.

“If you don’t pay the fine then I will send you to jail.”