Restraining Order Slapped On Ex After Abusive Texts

Henry: Abusive Texts

A Cambridge man, who bombarded his ex with abusive text messages during a twenty-four hour period two weeks after they split-up, has been slapped with a six-month restraining order.

Jobless Jeff Henry, 38, who lives with his grandmother in Fanshawe Road pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to harassing Laura Flanagan between March 5 and 6 and was placed on probation for twelve months and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

The restraining order bans him from contacting Miss Flanagan and entering Clarendon Road and Dulford Street, Notting Hill, west London.

Prosecutor Miss Helen Clutton told the court: “Laura Flanagan had been in a relatonship with Jeff Henry for two years and they have two children and split-up two weeks before the offence.

“The victim spotted the defendant in the street on March 5 and he started shouting at her, calling her a 'd***head' and making her feel embarrased and she then received unwanted texts and phone calls from Jeff Henry.”

Police were called, but when the defendant was interviewed officers were unable to check his phone because he smashed it in anger.

However, evidence of the harassment was on Miss Flanagan's phone.

“She does send texts back to Jeff Henry and some are abusive, but not as abusive as the defendant's texts,” added Miss Clutton.

“He told police he did not intend to carry out the threats in the texts.”

Henry, whose children with Miss Flanagan are aged one and two years-old, told the court: “The last eight weeks have been very difficult for me. I have not seen my daughter, who has cystic fibrosis.

“I'm sorry, I did not mean it to get out of control, but I've supported Laura through thick and thin, I've lied for her in court so she can keep the children and and they don't go into care.

“Not seeing my daughter is killing me,” added Henry, urging the magistrates not to impose a restraining order, which would mean all child access would have to be via a solicitor or family court.

Bench Chairwoman Valerie Gorter told Henry: “The harassment by text was persistent behaviour. She asked you to stop and you didn't.

“They were prolific, but not really threatening texts and I think you did not fully appreciate the effect of these texts on your ex.”