Enniskillen Magistrates Court
AN ENNISKILLEN father who left a threatening voicemail to a woman shortly after she brought out non-molestation order against him has been given a suspended sentence.
Albert Saunders (36) with an address at Thistle Antiques, Belmore Street appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to breaching the order.
On Thursday, June 14th, at approximately 9.05am, Saunders was served with a non-molestation order. At 9.15am on the same day, the woman who had taken out the order against him said Saunders got in touch with police to say Saunders had left her an intimidating voice mail.
The court heard Saunders sent a Facebook message to his cousin threatening to hurt the woman, saying he’d “burn her out”, and calling her a “c**t.”
The woman, who lives alone with two young children, said she was afraid he would carry out his threats.
Saunders was arrested and when he was asked about the non-molestation order he told police he couldn’t read. He admitted to sending the messages, but said he didn’t mean it. The defendant said he was angry he could no longer see his child.
Defence barrister Stefan Rafferty said the communications had been “unsavoury” but Saunders’ attitude was reflected in his guilty plea. Mr Rafferty said the defendant had been acting out of frustration at the situation. He said Saunders had a lot going on in his background and it had manifested itself in his behaviour.
District Judge Trevor Browne said Saunders had “a substantial record” of previous offences in England. He said he had terrified the woman and he wasn’t “the least bit surprised.”
Judge Browne sentenced Saunders to three months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and imposed an 18 month restraining order.
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