Washington man breached restraining order by sending string of abusive and insulting messages to ex

The case was heard at Newcastle Crown Court.

William Rowell was the subject of a restraining order to keep him away from his former partner when he made contact with her.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 25-year-old sent a message via Facebook messenger last August and so she blocked him on the app.

Prosecutor Nicholas Lane said Rowell made contact "out of the blue" again, a month later.

Mr Lane said: "He was acting like he was trying to be nice.

"She believes that the defendant's contact was motivated by the fact he realised she would have received her benefit at that time and was probably wanting money.

"She describes the messages coming throughout most of the day.

"Although the messages started out pleasant, she said they gradually became more abusive, name calling and insulting towards her.

"She had to stop the conversation and asked him to stop bullying her.

"It appears the messages then stopped."

Rowell, of Beverley Court, Concord, Washington, admitted two charges of breaching a restraining order.

The court heard Rowell has a positive report from the probation service about the progress he is making in his life.

Judge Tim Gittins said if Rowell continues to stay out of trouble, complies with the authorities and abides by the order he will not be sent straight to custody when he is back in court in November.

But the judge warned: "You do this on my terms or you go to prison."

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