A Newtown man has been ordered by a court to stay away from his mum and brother indefinitely after sending "absolutely heinous and vile" messages to them about his dead grandfather and baby niece.
Kieran Townsend, 24, was sentenced to a 12-month community order after he pleaded guilty to sending "extremely offensive and abusive" messages and voice notes to Amanda Townsend and Jonathan Wilkins following an argument on December 1 last year.
His mum told the court that the messages made her feel "physically sick".
His solicitor said there was a "cultural issue" within the family which resulted in sending "horrendous" messages after fallouts.
Helen Tench, prosecuting, told the court that Townsend was with his mum, brother and other family members when he was told to leave after he became verbally abusive.
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He later sent "grossly" offensive messages to his brother. Amanda Townsend contacted her son and received a response on Snapchat, but she too received abusive messages in return.
In a statement read in court by the prosecutor, Amanda Townsend said: "Kieran has sent a lot of nasty things over many years but these voice notes were vile and made me feel physically sick."
Jonathan Wilkins told the court that his brother's messages were "absolutely heinous and vile".
He continued: "I don't think he demonstrated any regard for anyone else's feelings.
"I can handle personal abuse but towards my daughter. He has caused so much hurt to me and the family. I do not want further contact from him whatsoever."
Robert Hanratty, mitigating for Townsend, said: "There is a culture within the family that when they fall out they send horrendous messages. Kieran has been on the receiving end a lot of the time."
Speaking about Townsend's new job, Mr Hanratty added: "He’s really proud to make a break from his past. He’s surprised everybody with how well he’s responded to his current situation.
"What impresses me that many months ago he told me had a job and seeing this [pre-sentence report] has gone from strength to strength. Good for him."
Magistrates ordered Townsend, of Cledan, Newtown, to complete 15 rehabilitation requirement days and 40 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £85 court costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Judith Baker, chair, said: "We do not feel compensation is appropriate in this situation as it may well be an aggravating factor.
"The restraining order is granted for an indefinite period. You will need to go to solicitor to bring it back to court."
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