Caithness man jailed at Wick Sheriff Court over breaches of non-harassment order and bail
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A MAN who disobeyed two court orders has been jailed for eight months.
Alexander Newlands (40) appeared from custody and admitted breaching a non-harassment order and a bail condition banning him from contacting his former partner.
The offences occurred on October 16. The messages were sent by the accused via What's App and voicemail. The breaches were reported to the police by his ex.
Wick Sheriff Court was told today (Wednesday) that the couple parted company in March this year. after a six-year relationship.
David Barclay said that there had been "clear evidence" in the past where Newlands' ex had encouraged him to get in touch with her, although the fiscal said he could not say whether that was the case in this instance.
Mr Barclay commented: "These court orders are not like water taps that can be turned on and off."
Sheriff Lindsay Foulis agreed and told Newlands: "These orders are imposed on you. You have no say in their terms. it is up to you to say 'no' if [your former partner] attempts to contact you, and ignore the messages. That is the position. It becomes a nonsense if parties effectively do what they like."
Sentencing Newlands the sheriff added: "Such breaches are totally unacceptable. You have just ignored these orders and I am not prepared to put up with it."
Newlands was said to have been living in Kennedy Trace, Wick, at the time of his arrest but is now seeking a new council tenancy in Thurso.
