Messages to estranged wife were ‘a sort of desperation’

A Magherafelt man who breached a non-molestation order by sending three e-mails and a WhatsApp voice message to his estranged wife, was given a two-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, at Magherafelt Magistrates Court on Wednesday (March 2).
By Court Reporter
Published 6th Mar 2022, 11:35 BST
Updated 6th Mar 2022, 12:43 BST
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Kevin Michael Kerr (55), of King Street, admitted the breaches on dates between October 17-23 and November 14 last year.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan also put in place a restraining order for a period of two years.

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Prosecuting counsel said on October 24, the injured party reported receiving three e-mails to her work address from the defendant.

Magherafelt Magistrates Court sits at Bishop Street courthouse in Derry / Londonderry.Magherafelt Magistrates Court sits at Bishop Street courthouse in Derry / Londonderry.
Magherafelt Magistrates Court sits at Bishop Street courthouse in Derry / Londonderry.

He said on October 19 she received a voice message on WhatsApp, which was also in breach of the non-molestation order.

Counsel explained the third breach took place on November 14 when the defendant visited her home address and was seen on CCTV walking in the yard and into a field.

The lawyer said the injured party felt pestered and harassed by the defendant’s behaviour.

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Admitting the offences defence solicitor, Donal Heron said the defendant is an alcoholic and has been receiving treatment.

Mr Heron said the messages were a “sort of desperation” as the defendant could not accept the marriage was over because of his actions.

He added that the defendant now intended to keep off alcohol and re-establish contact with his two children.