Douglas man harasses ex-girlfriend online

Case adjourned while psychiatric report is prepared

A court's heard how a Douglas man sent harassing emails, Facebook messages and texts to a woman after their 18-month relationship ended.

50 year old Peter Michael Birchall of Richmond Close appeared before magistrates at Douglas Courthouse.

He pleaded guilty to one count of conduct amounting to harassment committed between March and May this year.

Prosecution advocate Barry Swain said his girlfriend had dumped Birchall following repeated arguments, saying she no longer wanted to feel as though she was walking on eggshells around him.

After the breakup Birchall sent 27 emails despite her making it clear she wanted nothing more to do with him, and she contacted police who warned him about his behaviour.

Despite the warning, he tried to phone her 18 times as well as sending text, Facebook and email messages – some of which were sexually explicit and sent from alternative email accounts he'd set up.

Defence advocate Darren Taubitz told the hearing Birchall completely denied sending an email to his ex-girlfriend received asking her to drop the charges against him.

Birdcall’s case was adjourned while psychiatric and pre-sentencing reports are prepared and magistrates bailed him in the sum of £500 on condition he doesn't contact his ex.

He'll appear again on October 24.