Woman spared jail for threat to kill ex’s new girlfriend

A WOMAN who threatened to kill her former partner’s new girlfriend has been spared jail.

Leanne Bates, 22, sent the threatening messages on social media to Chloe Molinj after Ms Molinj started seeing James Duffy, who was Bates’ former partner.

Caernarfon magistrates heard Bates wanted to “put fear” into Ms Molinj. The messages were also sent to Mr Duffy and a friend.

Bates pleaded guilty to stalking involving a fear of violence and was given a 26-week jail term, suspended for 18 months.

Prosecutor Diane Williams told the court Bates had started seeing Mr Duffy in 2020.

But, while the relationship was going on, Bates suspected Mr Duffy had started seeing someone else.

The court heard the stalking of Ms Molinj began on New Year’s Day 2021, when Ms Molinj received a Facebook message from one account with a threat to kill her.

The victim then got more similar messages from fake accounts called You Are Done For and I Hate You.

One person claimed she would “f ****** kill you, slag”.

The court heard there was more unwanted attention on Snapchat but the same victim blocked it.

The prosecutor said that Bates and Mr Duffy had a break in their relationship but then Mr Duffy formally took up with Ms Molinj.

The court heard Bates sent messages on Facebook and other platforms threatening to kill Ms Molinj.

In a victim statement, Ms Molinj said she is anxious and no longer feels comfortable posting photographs online. Her ordeal has made it difficult for her to concentrate on her university work.

Carla Forfar, defending, said Bates had had a troubled childhood.

Bates, of Maes yr Ysgol, Holyhead, told the court she is sorry for her behaviour.

Magistrates chairman Shan Payne said it was a “nasty offence”.