A MAN harassed his ex-partner by sending more than 100 abusive text messages in the space of an hour.

Steven Cuthill, of James Street in Ayr, admitted to engaging in a course of conduct between March 6, 2017 and January 18, 2018 by sending his ex-partner messages that were both ‘abusive’ and ‘threatening’.

The 34-year-old appeared before Sheriff Desmond Leslie at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Depute Fiscal, Lindsay Bain, explained: “The complainer and the accused were in a relationship for four years – they separated in 2015.

“On March 6, 2017 at 11.30am, the complainer had left her address. At that time the accused approached her and became abusive and was slandering her. The accused continued to follow the complainer.

“From 12.20pm to 1.45pm, the complainer received 100 messages from the accused – she then contacted the police. The police attended and viewed the messages and copies were taken.

“[On another occasion] the complainer approached a convenience store and saw the accused. The complainer was alarmed and went into the store – an employee witnessed the complainer to be stressed and crying.

“The incident wasn’t reported until January 5, 2018. 

“Between March 2017 and May 2017, the complainer received abusive messages through Whatsapp.

“In January 2018, the accused was abusive to the complainer and called her a “f**king disgrace” and at 11am she made her way to work and was seen to be shaken by what had happened. The accused was observed at her work place.

“He went up to the complainer’s face and was shouting at her and as she was walking away, the accused followed her for a length of time. The complainer received more messages in an abusive nature. The police were then contacted, and the accused was traced.”

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor Mr Robson, said: “He accepts his behaviour was wrong – he is a man who struggles with his emotions and his behaviour.”

Sheriff Leslie deferred Cuthill’s sentence for reports.