A Co Down man who intimidated his ex-partner to drop her harassment case against him has had a restraining order imposed.
Christopher John McGuigan, 57, of Rostrevor, pleaded guilty to two counts of intimidation of a witness and possession of a Class B drug at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Court heard that on September 18 the injured party informed police she had been contacted twice by the defendant regarding ongoing harassment charges.
She stated that on September 16 she received a voicemail from McGuigan and on September 18 an email.
Officers arrested the defendant and during a search of his home found a small bag of herbal cannabis.
Defence solicitor John Murphy stated that at the time McGuigan was finding it difficult to deal with the break up of his relationship with a long-term partner, the injured party.
He said that GP notes showed how the defendant “struggled to cope”.
Mr Murphy informed the court that McGuigan was “now staying well away from her”.
District Judge Eamonn King commented that these were “serious matters” especially set in the background of an harassment case.
He ordered that an 18-month restraining order by put in place.
In addition, McGuigan was ordered to pay a fine of £650, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within four weeks.
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