Castletown man who bombarded his ex with calls must pay compensation

A Castletown man pestered his ex-partner with phone calls and messages after it was clear she didn't wish to rekindle the relationship.

Matthew Frere (31) admitted an amended charge of engaging in a course of abusive conduct towards the woman and was ordered by a sheriff to pay her compensation of £500.

The unwelcome behaviour occurred on various occasions between May 2022 and April 2023, Wick Sheriff Court heard.

Sheriff Mark Lindsay KC heard that the relationship ended in January this year.

Fiscal David Barclay said it could have been described as a “tempestuous” partnership that had had "its ups and downs".

He continued: "Although it started well, the parties began to drift apart and in order to try to keep them together, Frere made repeated phone calls and messages to the woman although these were not of a threatening or sinister nature. He was simply bombarding her with contact she didn't want."

Mr Barclay said that the woman was concerned when she became aware of videos being uploaded on social media in which Frere made reference to self-harm.

The fiscal continued: "This was almost a means of trying to persuade her to stay in the relationship, otherwise the accused might not be able to cope with the situation."

Mr Barclay added that the woman wished the court to impose a non-harassment order as it was a relationship that had run its course.

Sheriff Lindsay, who saw a background report, said that such an order was appropriate and put it in place.

Frere, of Mackay Street, Castletown, will pay the compensation at the rate of £100 a month.