Sunderland hairdresser sent abusive messages about tattoo artist

Caroline Lamb, 36, admitted sending the offensive posts about Barry Crake to Facebook when she appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

Eve Donnelly, prosecuting, said Lamb, of Agar Road, had sent the messages in August after leaving the city centre salon where she was the manager.

Mr Crake, who owns the Cosmetic Tattoo Studio, which is based in the same building as the salon, became the victim of a number of messages left on the social media site.

Ms Donnelly, said Mr Crake was left very upset about the accusations made in the messages.

Reading from Mr Crake’s statement, she said: “It has really upset me, it is so far from the truth.

“They are completely and utterly untrue and could have a detrimental impact on me, both personally and with my business.

“I am appalled by the things that she has said about me in a public forum.”

Neil Hodgson, defending, said: “Social media is a fantastic medium in the right hands, but in the wrong hands it can cause all sorts of problems.”

He said his client, a mother-of-one, was dealing with a number of issues, including the break-up of a relationship and leaving her job, and had a drink on the evening when she posted the messages.

Mr Hodgson said Lamb claimed Mr Crake had previously posted derogatory comments on social media about her.

But, he added: “She had had a drink and did things that she wholly regrets.

“She certainly apologises. She is not going to do anything like that again.”

Lamb was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a surcharge of £32, as well as £100 in compensation. She was also made the subject of a three-year restraining order.