Man jailed after ripping up non-molestation order

Thirty-seven-year-old Greg Verner from Tirgarvil Road, Upperlands, admitted charges of breaching the order, assaulting his former partner, harassment and improper use of a telecommunications network.

The offences took place on dates between October 16 last and January 11 this year.

The court heard that Verner has already served the equivalent of a four month custodial sentence and is expected to be released within two weeks.

Outlining the incident on October 17 last, prosecuting counsel said the injured party reported that the defendant had sent a video of him ripping up sheets of the non-molestation order sent to him that day and accompanied it with a message.

Counsel said when he was interviewed about the matter, Verner said he was intoxicated and did not realise the significance of the document.

Admitting the offences Peter Jack, solicitor, said the defendant needed to be punished and the injured party needed to be protected.

Mr Jack described the relationship as a “bit of a fatal attraction”.

He stressed the relationship between the parties was now over and the defendant, who needed help with his mental health, would have no reason to go near Magherafelt.

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