A MAN has admitted making a series of “abusive and menacing” phone calls to staff at Jersey’s only independent domestic-abuse charity – prompting its chief executive to warn that “no one should face intimidation or abuse simply for helping others”.
Jordan Darius Robinson (30) yesterday pleaded guilty in the Magistrate’s Court to using words of an obscene and menacing character earlier this year.
St Helier Centenier Sharon Rive, prosecuting, told the court on Wednesday that FREEDA received three calls in May from a telephone belonging to Robinson.
She said Robinson claimed the organisation had “destroyed his life” and was advised to use its complaints procedure.
Robinson then used abusive and offensive language and repeatedly insulted members of staff.
Ms Rive said he called staff “bunker rats”, accused the charity of bullying him and made personal remarks about workers and their families.
His comments included: “I’m the last person you want to mess with”, “stop running my life” and “I hope you die”.
Advocate James Bell, defending, asked for a pre-sentence report to be prepared and requested that Robinson be released on bail.
Relief Magistrate David Le Cornu remanded Robinson until 28 August and granted him bail on the condition that he does not contact FREEDA.
Responding to the case, FREEDA chief executive Kate Wright – who recently announced that she will step down from the role in November – said threats and abuse could have a “real impact”.
She said: “Our frontline staff come to work each day to support people at some of the most frightening and vulnerable moments of their lives. While threats and abuse directed at those providing that support is thankfully uncommon, it can have a real impact on the wellbeing of staff.
“No one should face intimidation or abuse simply for helping others. It is important that those working on the frontline are protected so they can continue to provide safe, compassionate support to survivors of domestic abuse. It’s important that we feel safe too, and so I’m grateful to the States of Jersey Police for taking the time to respond to and investigate this particular case.
“At Freeda, we are incredibly proud of our team. Their professionalism, kindness and resilience enable them to continue standing alongside those who need them most, even in the face of challenging situations.”
