Ex-partner was banging on windows and shouting

A Tobermore man who was arrested after returning to his ex-partner’s house, was fined £300 with a £15 offender levy at East Tyrone Magistrates Court, sitting in Dungannon, on Friday.
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Gavin Ballantine (26), of Hillmount Crescent, admitted a charge of pursuing a course of conduct which amounted to harassment on July 19 last.

The judge put in place a six-month restraining order preventing Ballantine contacting the victim.

Counsel prosecuting said police received a call from the injured party at 5.30pm that her ex-partner was banging on the windows and door at her home and shouting.

Dungannon Courthouse.Dungannon Courthouse.
Dungannon Courthouse.

She said police later located Ballentine at Chapel Street, Cookstown, and he accepted he called at the house. The injured party was not prepared to make a statement and he was released. Counsel said at 10.45pm police received another call from the victim that the defendant had returned.

A defence lawyer said the defendant was trying to get car keys to access tools. He added he had been “absolutely stupid” to go back to the house which resulted in him ending up in court.

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