A 56-YEAR-OLD man who breached a restraining order for a fourth time by contacting a woman and then sent her abusive texts on a messaging app has been spared prison.
The Magistrate’s Court heard that Andrew Rawlinson was subject to a restraining order – banning him from any contact with the woman – when he met her by chance outside Bean Around The World coffee shop in Halkett Place on 1 March.
The restraining order formed part of a sentence previously imposed for assaulting the woman.
He offered to help the woman carry her shopping home and then later contacted her again on WhatsApp, sending abusive and distressing messages.
Crown Advocate Luke Sette, prosecuting, said Rawlinson was guilty of breaching the order on two counts – by talking to the woman in the street and later texting her – as well as the separate offence of sending abusive messages.
Advocate Paul Nicholls, defending, said of Rawlinson: “He sent considerate messages initially, that ultimately turned toxic.
“He is clearly someone who would benefit from intervention.”
And Rawlinson added: “Jersey’s a small place, and sometimes you cross paths.”
Relief Magistrate Sarah Fitz told him: “Your history of breaching restraining orders makes a custodial sentence almost inevitable.
“You have had the benefit of a probation order in the past. You are at high risk of reconviction.”
However, she said she was accepting a pre-sentence report suggesting alternatives to jail, and imposed 120 hours of community service, a 12-month probation order and a five-year restraining order.
But she warned him: “This is absolutely your last chance.”
