Ex bombarded with texts and calls

Sheriff warns “sheer volume is appalling”

An angry ex- boyfriend- who is already subject to a domestic behaviour programmebombarded his former lover with dozens of messages and missed calls.

Lewis Duncan, 34, sent his ex partner 62 threatening messages via Facebook over the spell of a weekend.

And Debbie Duncan had 15 missed calls and 3 voicemails.

Ayr Sheriff Court heard one menacing message read: “I will smash your windows in.”

Duncan, of Mossgeil Avenue in Troon, was taken to Ayr Police Office and interviewed where he said: “I know- I was stupid.”

Solicitor Ian Gillies said: “He realises he does have issues.

“He’s very remorseful of this behaviour on this weekend.

“I’ve dealt with Mr Duncan for a few years now and have had to deal with Mrs Duncan.

“And every time I met her she was supportive and helped him through his difficulties.

“She had had enough and indicated to him to move out to give them some space.

“It’s further complicated because Mrs Duncan has two children from a previous relationship and Mr Duncan has sole custody of a children from another relationship.

“The relationship is over but who knows what will happen as there still this connection with the children.”

The court heard Duncan is currently subject to the Caledonian Project, which aims to address men’s domestic abuse behaviour, but the project has suspended his attendance to await the outcome of the case.

Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart told Duncan: “The last two offences on this record are of a domestic nature.

“This is going to be your third consecutive domestic, so you’re getting into territory where it’s highly likely you’ll go into custody.

“This type of offence will not be tolerated.

“When I look back at the sheer volume of texts, messages, phone calls- it’s appalling.

“What concerns me further is you’ve been part of a project to specifically avoid behaviour of this.

“If I put you on another order you will attend that.

“Under no circumstance is your work to take priority.

“If you do not comply, I will take you off it and take you into custody.”

Duncan pled guilty to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner by repeatedly sending texts and other messages containing threatening and abusive remarks.

He also admitted repeatedly phoning his ex and leaving voicemails containing threatening and abusive remarks.

Duncan was sentenced to two years supervision and ordered to attend Caledonian Programme.