Suspended sentence for Brookeborough woman
A WOMAN who made repeated calls and sent emails to police, despite being advised on her conduct, has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Edna Latimer (55) from Tirenny Road, Brookeborough denied persistent use of a telecommunications network to cause inconvenience, but was convicted after a contest. Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard between September 1 and October 18 last year, Latimer called the 101 non-emergency number 98 times and sent numerous emails.
On one occasion there were 29 calls and 10 emails in just under a 24-hour period. During October 8 to 14, Latemar’s conduct became more abusive toward call handling staff and she resorted to name-calling and complaining on police actions. She was advised to contact the Police Ombudsman, but never did.
Latimer was arrested and her phone was seized for examination. She made no comment replies to all questions during interview. After being charged stringent bail conditions were imposed and this resolved the issue.
A defence barrister said there was little to be said except that his client was previously of exemplary record but has since received three suspended sentences for similar behaviour. The current matter however did not breach any of these.
District Judge Michael Renahan said he intended to deal with this matter in the same manner as the others and imposed a three month prison sentence, suspended for two years.