INVERNESS SHERIFF COURT: Inverness woman was bombarded by calls and messages by ex partner
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A MAN who stalked his former partner and sent threatening messages has been sentenced to community work.
Scott Fitzgibbon (49) of MacInnes Place, Aviemore, admitted threatening behaviour towards his former partner a few months after their relationship ended.
Between June 27 and July 1 he contacted her on her mobile phone, even after she told him not to.
Fitzgibbon admitted that, during these calls, he shouted at her, uttered offensive remarks and maded threats towards her, his behaviour causing fear and alarm.
Fiscal depute Naomi Duffy-Welsh said that on one day Fitzgibbon called his ex 11 times and sent her disturbing messages.
She said one of the messages read: "I am going to kill myself. I am definitely going to do it. We are going together. You are coming with me.
The last message sent by Fitzgibbons said: "The most dangerous people are those who have nothing to lose."
Ms McLaughlin felt threatened and contacted the police, who apprehended Fitzgibbon at his address.
He told police that he had been under the influence of alcohol when he sent the messages.
Defence solicitor David Patterson said Fitzgibbon had been struggling with his mental health and alcohol misuse.
A previous offender, he said his last conviction dated to 2011 but he had gone back to "old habits".
He said Fitzgibbon was keen to address his alcohol problem and did not wish to contact his former partner any longer.
Sheriff Neil Kinnear sentenced Fitzgibbon to a community payback with a total of 90 hours of unpaid work.
He will also be placed under supervision for six months and will be required to address his issues with alcohol.
