A man harassed a woman with offensive messages after the breakdown of their seven-year relationship. Callum Hill dated the woman from when they were teenagers until early last year – and months later he sent her a series of distressing emails.
Prosecutor Mike Williams told Cardiff Magistrates' Court the harassment took place between May 9 and July 5 last year after the victim had asked Hill to stop contacting her. The 26-year-old, of Caerau in Cardiff, was charged over 10 emails from that period including messages sent late at night and in the early hours.
"These messages caused her alarm and distress," said Mr Williams. "She indicated she was worried that this defendant would turn up at her workplace. There is no evidence to suggest this happened."
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Hill, of Heol Solva, pleaded guilty to harassment. His solicitor Aled Watkins said the relationship had started "very well" and been "good for a number of years", adding: "Like many relationships it had its difficulties and towards the end it was starting and restarting. It got to the point in January 2022 where she asked him to stop contacting her and there was then a gap until this timeframe.
"I would describe the messages as a mixed bag. One references him wanting a bike back from her shed. There was an apology in there. Another was about an online account they had together. And there were some offensive ones as well... He is appalled at the messages which are offensive."
Mr Watkins said his client has struggled with depression and "a number of sad passings in his family" but has recently spent time constructively in the gym and fishing. The solicitor also told the court that Hill showed a "refreshing" openness when questioned by police and that he has not been in trouble since July. He has no previous convictions.
Presiding Justice Mohammed Yakub told Hill: "This wasn't a very pleasant experience for the person receiving these messages... This wasn't an isolated incident. It happened over a couple of months."
He imposed a £120 fine, £85 in prosecution costs, and a £34 victim services charge. Hill was also handed a 12-month order restraining him from contacting the victim. The defendant, who receives £320 a month in universal credit, will pay the debt at a rate of £20 per month.
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