Lisburn man who harassed his ex wife was 'emotionally overwhelmed' that she had a new partner, court hears
A Lisburn man has been ordered to serve 18 months on probation after admitting he harassed his ex wife.
Simon Thomson, 51, whose address was given as Ambleside Crescent in Lisburn, appeared before the city’s magistrates court charged with harassment.
The court heard that on Monday, August 26, 2024 police received a domestic report from the defendant’s ex wife, who said he had been constantly contacting her despite her making it clear she wanted no more contact.
She later contacted police about harassing emails from the defendant, who then sent more abusive messages and showed up at her house, as well as at the house of her new partner.
During interview, the defendant accepted sending emails to her and that he was outside her new partner’s property on at least one occasion.
A defence lawyer told the court the defendant was “someone with a solid employment history until May this year when he went off sick after having his leg amputated after contracting sepsis.”
He continued: “He was emotionally overwhelmed that his ex wife had taken up with a new partner. He accepts that at the time he didn’t appreciate the severity of his actions.
"Relations have improved to the point she helped him move into his new property. He doesn’t intend to do anything of this nature ever again.”
During sentencing, District Judge Rosie Watters said: “From her [the defendant’s ex-wife] point of view it is not minimal at all. We have to make sure he never does it again to his ex-wife or anybody else.”
Ms Watters imposed a probation order for 18 months. She also issued a restraining order for two years.