Brute warned to stay away from ex-partner or he will face prison
Lout bombarded victim with threatening messages
A bully who sent threatening messages to his ex telling her he would kill her has been hit with a five-year court order to stay away from her.
James McPhillips appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court for sentencing yesterday after previously pleading guilty to repeatedly contacting Joanne McGonnigle over a sixmonth period.
McPhillips, 36, admitted causing Ms McGonnigle fear and alarm between October 8, 2018, and April 8, 2019 at New Sneddon Street in Paisley, by repeatedly calling her and sending her text messages and other messages by electronic means.
He admitted continuing to send messages after being blocked and also admitted uttering abusive remarks, threats of violence and threats to kill in the messages.
He also pled guilty to two charges of breaching bail conditions in October 2018 by entering New Sneddon Street when his bail conditions meant he was not permitted from entering the street at any time.
During his appearance at the town’s court, it was heard that Ms McGonnigle fears for her life and has been left traumatised by the catalogue of abuse and lives in fear of what might happen if is was able to contact her again.
His lawyer Terry Gallanagh told the court that McPhillips was willing to accept whatever disposal the court imposed on him.
The solicitor said: “He has been assessed as suitable for a Restriction of Liberty Order and he is willing to do this if this is what the court wishes to impose on him.
“He also fully understands and accepts that a NonHarassment Order may be imposed.”
Addressing McPhilips, now of East Donnington Street, Ayrshire, Sheriff Hugh McGinty warned him he must not breach the NHO or he could face going to jail.
He also handed him a fine of £800.
Sheriff McGinty said: “The passage of time since these offences allows me to deal with them in a way that I normally wouldn’t.
“The Non-Harassment Order means you cannot contact her in any way.
“If you do, you will come back to court and I will have no other options than to give you a custodial sentence.”
McPhillips was ordered to pay a fine of £800 and banned from contacting Ms McGonnigle for a period of five years.