A MAN from Stratford who breached a restraining order by harassing his ex-partner with text messages has been jailed for a year.
The restraining order was put in place against Paul Claricoates in April when a court heard he had stalked his ex-wife following the breakdown of their relationship. The condition of the restraining order prevented Claricoates from making contact with her including in person, over the phone and on social media.
The day after the restraining order was issued Claricoates started posting messages on his public Facebook page aimed at his ex-wife. Over the next three weeks he posted more than 70 similar messages.
Claricoates was arrested and charged with breaching the restraining order. Despite this, he continued to call and send text messages to the victim.
Appearing at court last week, Claricoates, 48, from the Bishopton area of Stratford, was jailed after pleading guilty to two counts of breaching a restraining order. He was also issued with a ten-year restraining order.
Detective Constable Elyse Robinson said: “Restraining orders are put in place for a reason, to protect vulnerable victims of crime. Claricoates showed complete disregard for this order and no respect for the court, by continuing to harass his ex-partner.
“He has now paid the price and will be able to spend the next year in prison thinking about his behaviour and the impact it has had on others.
“The victim has shown great bravery in pursuing this conviction and I hope this gives other victims of domestic abuse the confidence to come forward. There are people who will listen, and the police and courts will take action to protect you and bring offenders to justice.”
