Lisburn court hears that man sent ‘scary messages’ to another man who was friends with his girlfriend
A man who sent menacing messages to another man who was friends with his girlfriend, has been sentenced to 18 months on probation.
Lewis Rhys Jones, 35, whose address was given as Woodside in Dunmurry, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with sending menacing messages via the electronic communications network.
The court heard that on June 26, 2025, the injured party attended Lisburn police station and said that he had a friendship with a woman he had met four or five times before receiving menacing messages from the defendant, who said that he was her boyfriend.
It was stated that the defendant had looked at the woman’s phone, read messages from the injured party, had taken offence, and sent menacing messages in response from his own phone.
During interview the defendant made full admissions to the charge.
Defence, who said the defendant had struggles with alcohol, told the court: “He accepts he took the wrong course and that is an understatement.”
District Judge Rosie Watters imposed a probation order for 18 months.
During sentencing Ms Watters told the defendant: “You are sailing very close to the wind.
"You haven’t been in court for a while and you got a very lenient disposal on the last occasion.
"These are serious offences. I take the view you had too much to drink. These are pretty scary messages to get.
"I am putting you on probation and that is your opportunity to deal with any issues in your life and that include alcohol or drugs.”