Welshpool man breached non-molestation order days after it

Tobias Edwards, 28, of Burgess Road, admitted contacting his victim between May 17 and May 19 despite being banned from doing so by a court order.

Magistrates heard the order, imposed on May 13, and lasting for a year, prohibited Edwards from contacting the victim except under specific circumstances.

However, messages sent via an app went beyond those terms, including accusations against the victim.

Welshpool Magistrates’ Court, where the case was heard (Image: Google)

Welshpool Magistrates' Court was told the victim did not respond to the messages and later asked Edwards to stop the messages. He replied: "So you can do one thing, but I can’t? Absolute joke."

The victim reported feeling "exhausted" and said the breach had caused anxiety.

When spoken to by police, Edwards admitted the breach and said he did not fully understand what a non-molestation order was.

Defending, Robert Hanratty said Edwards had not taken part in the original proceedings.

He called the behaviour was "very unfortunate".

Magistrates said the offence was aggravated by how soon it occurred after the order was made and by the misuse of a platform intended for child-related communication.

Edwards was sentenced to 16 weeks in custody, reduced to 12 weeks because of his guilty plea, suspended for 12 months.

He must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days as part of the order.

Magistrates warned that any further offences within the next year could result in him being sent to prison.

Anthony Jackson , chair, said: "We are making this order because the offence was so serious that custody is the only suitable option.

"Be very aware that you are now on a 12-month suspended sentence which means that if you step out of line it could result in you going to prison for 12 weeks."

Edwards was also ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.

No additional restraining order was made.