A 30-year-old man was this week fined £1,000 for harassing his former partner a year ago.

Dean Eugene Crowe had previously pleaded not guilty to the offence and a trial was due to be held this week but on Tuesday he changed his plea to guilty.

Crowe was also ordered to pay £750 prosecution costs, the cost of the preparation work done for the trial.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that Crowe had been in a 13-year relationship with the woman and had been married to her for four years.

They were said to have separated in December 2018 but had continued to be on amicable terms. However, this was said to have changed after April 2019.

On September 18 last year the woman was said to have received a call from a withheld number during which the caller said: ’It’s coming to you. Your boyfriend is going to get it.’

Seven further calls were received from the number.

The woman said she recognised her Crowe’s voice.

Crowe, who lives in Close y Locker, Union Mills, was arrested and issued with a Police Information Notice (PIN) which acts as a caution in relation to harassment allegations.

Despite this, another call was received on October 31 last year from a withheld number in which a man was said to have complained about a letter he had received from an advocate.

The woman again said she recognised the voice as Crowe’s.

On November 1, 2019, the woman received another call asking her what she had been saying about another male and calling her a ’grass’.

Four days later, three more calls were received, again from a withheld number, during which a voice, who the woman again recognised as her Crowe’s, asked: ’What’s this letter all about?’

The woman said that she did not answer the third call.

Later that day Crowe was said to be talking to his children on the phone when he asked them to put their mother on the loud speaker.

He then said: ’It’s game on. You’re going to get what’s coming to you. It’s going to come back 10 times harder.’

Crowe was arrested but denied making any calls and claimed that numerous friends had access to his phone.

Enquiries were made which linked the withheld numbers to Crowe.

A probation report said that Crowe had been upset due to having no contact with his children.

Defence advocate David Reynolds said: ’Unfortunately the relationship became quite bitter.’

Mr Reynolds said that the matter had been delayed in coming to court due to Covid-19 and issues in funding an advocate.

The advocate said that Crowe’s last conviction was in 2009 for a telecommunications offence when he was 19.

Prosecutor Ms Carroon said a restraining order was not being requested given the passage of time and need for contact with the children.

Deputy High Bailiff Chris Arrowsmith told Crowe: ’Harassment matters are serious matters and have a serious impact on the victim causing them concern and stress. Emotions can run high and people can do things in the heat of the moment that they regret.’

Crowe was ordered to pay the fine and costs at a rate of £110 per month.