This article is from page 22 of the 2008-09-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 22 JPG
A MAN who pestered his former girlfriend through offensive text messages and phone calls after their relationship ended found himself before a court on charges of harass- ment. The man sent flowers to the woman and also played requests for her on several radio stations, a court heard yesterday.
John Considine (29), of Bramble Lane, Ennis, pleaded guilty to har-
assing his former girlfriend over a period of time and also admitted as- saulting her, by throwing a drink at her in a nightclub last year.
Detective Garda Andrew Hayes told Ennis District Court that Con- sidine persistently contacted the woman, between August 2 and Oc- tober 25, 2006 and between October 31 and November 27, 2006.
The court also heard that he rang her last Tuesday and left a voice mes- sage on her phone, saying, “See you
in court”.
Defending solicitor John Devane said his client was contrite and said his affections “went a little bit too far” but the garda said that last week’s phone call to the woman showed that he hadn’t changed his ways.
Considine apologised in court and said he accepted he had sent curt, an- noying and rude text messages to her > ercannseulsselem
Asked about last week’s phone call, he said, “I was very drunk and very
bitter at the time over this. I accept now I put myself in this position.” The court heard that his former girlfriend had made a complaint to gardai in 2005, but this did not go any further as they got back together. Asked about this, Considine said in court, “She liked the attention.” Judge Joseph Mangan asked him, “What attention?” Considine re- plied, “In fairness, with all due re- spect, calling the guards and then getting back with someone… It was
my own fault. I should never have got back with her.”
Considine said he would undertake to stay away from the woman and her current boyfriend.
Judge Mangan put it to Considine, “You have leveled criticism at the in- jured party here today. I don’t think you are in any position to criticise anybody.”
The judge said he would adjourn the case for six months when the matter will be reviewed.