The case heard at Enniskillen Courthouse
A 37-year-old man is accused of harassing his ex-wife after he rang her 24 times in one day and parked outside her home uninvited.
Adrian Francis Carron, of Drumhack Road, Drumbrughas, Enniskillen, left his ex-wife scared and distressed after he turned up at her home on a number of mornings as she tried to leave their children to school.
Carron was given a conditional discharge of 18 months after he pleaded guilty to one count of harassment when he appeared before Fermanagh court.
A prosecutor explained to the court that the incidents had occurred between the dates of February 16, 2014 and March 12, 2014.
The court was told that on one occasion Carron’s ex-wife was dropping their children to school when the defendant arrived at her address and parked outside the house for an hour which prevented her from leaving the premises.
Carron told his ex-wife that he wanted to leave their children to school, however there was no agreement between the pair to do so.
Then the same incident happened again on the following Monday morning and she could not get out past him in the driveway.
Both parties were told to contact their solicitors over the matter.
On that Monday evening at around 9pm, Carron’s ex-wife spotted a vehicle which she believed to be Carron’s, although it was dark she could not see who was driving but she was not expecting anyone and was scared by it.
The court heard that she lives alone with her children in a rural area and this caused her distress. She believed his actions were cause by her refusal to allow contact with her or their children.
She felt he was putting pressure on her and on one occasion he rang her 24 times and asked to speak with the children and she felt this was a way to keep an eye on her.
She then made a statement to police over his harassment.
Carron admitted being at her address and said he would speak to a solicitor about their arrangements with the children.
A defence barrister told the court that Carron fully understood the seriousness of the offence and regrets what he did.
“He would have collected his children every morning, then on March 10 this changed,” he added.
“He said he does not know why he called 24 times on that date. He speaks to his children every evening and he works long hours.
“He knows his behaviour was not acceptable and he is taking steps to have contact with his children.”
Deputy District Judge Liam McStay noted the defendant’s relevant convictions but added that he reacted appropriately during police interview.
“You are dealing with this issue through your solicitors and I accept that.”
Judge McStay also stated that Carron has a high level of debt and therefore could not financially sentence him.
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