Remand for man who broke court order not to contact ex-girlfriend

22-year-old sent 'scary' messages over Snapchat

A Douglas man who harassed his ex-girlfriend by sending her ‘abusive and threatening messages’ has been remanded in custody after breaching a condition not to contact her – just days after it was set.

During an appearance at Douglas Courthouse on Thursday last week (25 August) Thomas Lee Parsons, of Derby Road, admitted his conduct had amounted to harassment.

The court heard he’d sent the messages, and turned up at the woman’s home, between 25 July and 21 August after she ended their relationship.

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Magistrates released the 22-year-old on bail pending sentence but just three days later – on 28 August - Parsons began sending messages to the woman which she described as ‘threatening and scary’.

She reported his actions to police who then enlisted the public’s help – via social media - in trying to locate him.

At Douglas Courthouse yesterday (30 August) High Bailiff Jayne Hughes heard from Parsons’ ex-girlfriend who told the court she’d received around 70 messages over Snapchat which she believed were from him.

The messages contained threats including: ‘I know where you live’, ‘Snitches get stitches’ and a threat – purporting to be from family members – which said: ‘We are all coming over to get hold of you’.

Parsons denied breaching his bail conditions telling the court he hadn’t sent the messages and claiming someone had pretended to be him.

Referencing the time he’d spent in custody waiting for his first court appearance he added: “I don’t want to go back to jail – it’s horrible there.”  

Determining that Parsons had committed a ‘serious breach of bail’ High Bailiff Jayne Hughes revoked his right to bail.

It means Parsons will be remanded at the Isle of Man Prison until he’s sentenced for the original offence on 6 September.