A 37-year-old who called his ex-mother-in-law a “f*****g dirty little troll” in a message found himself in court for sending her numerous texts using inappropriate language.
Ryan Digby, of The Terrace in North Pickenham, appeared at Lynn Maigstrates’ Court on Thursday where he was sentenced for two counts of sending an offensive message through public communication.
In a previous hearing, he pleaded guilty to the offences, which took place days apart from each other on September 13 and 19 last year.
Prosecutor Lesla Small told the court that Digby had previously been in a relationship with the victim’s daughter. The victim had some concerns about Digby being in a relationship with her daughter.
Eventually, the relationship between Digby and his then-partner came to an end. Her mother sent a text to Digby asking him not to contact her any further.
However, Digby replied using “foul and abusive” language and called her a “f*****g dirty little troll”.
The messages made the victim feel “scared and worried”.
In mitigation, George Sorrell said that Digby accepts that he did send messages using the foul language.
“He acknowledges that he clearly upset the lady, he knew that she never liked him. He has been through a very unhappy time, there have been problems,” said Mr Sorrell.
The solicitor explained that Digby has voluntarily signed up to a self-help course where he has weekly meetings with a counsellor.
“That is a good indication of his attitude moving forward,” added Mr Sorrell.
For the offence, Digby was given a 24-month community order to complete, which involves completing 10 rehabilitation activity days.
A two-year restraining order was put in place, meaning that Digby cannot contact or go to the address of the victim.
He was also fined £200, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114 and court costs of £85.