A MAN who harassed a woman in Enniskillen after she turned down his romantic advances has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Roy Brownlee (55), who is now living at Tonnagh Road, Fintona, appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court for sentencing for common assault, harassment, and persistent improper use of communications.
The charges related to two separate dates in December last year.
On December 10, 2023 police received a report from a woman living at a flat in Enniskillen who said Brownlee, who was her neighbour, had knocked on her door, came in and began ranting at her. He also pushed her while in her home.
The woman told police she felt threatened and harassed, and said she believed the incident was because she had previously turned down his romantic advances .
The charge of persistent improper use of communications related to December 13 and 14 last, when Brownlee called the 999 emergency number multiple times.
Defence barrister Ciaran Roddy said there were no objections to a request for a restraining order preventing Brownlee from contact with the woman.
Mr Roddy said Brownlee no longer lived in Enniskillen and there would likely be no further contact between the defendant and the woman.
The barrister urged the court to suspend any prison sentence it may be considering, noting a custodial term could impact his mental health, and stating he had abided by the conditions of a previous suspended sentence. He also asked for credit for Brownlee’s early guilty plea.
District Judge Alana McSorely said Brownlee’s attitude had done him “no favours” but noted his limited record and early guilty plea.
She sentenced him to a total of three months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and granted the request for a one year restraining order.
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