QLD man held in custody for 65 days after sending ex abusive texts, emails

A man with 12 previous DV order breaches has walked from court after facing a magistrate over a string of abusive texts and emails launched at his ex-partner.

A man has been sentenced in Maroochydore Magistrates Court for an abusive tirade of texts and emails.

A man with 12 previous DV order breaches, six of which occurred in the last five years, has walked from court after launching a string of abusive emails and texts at his ex-partner.

Appearing via video link with a face mask on, the 41-year-old man pleaded guilty in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday to seven counts of contravening a domestic violence order and one count of breach of bail condition.

Police prosecutor Stephen Potter said the abuse involved “sending numerous emails containing vulgar, disgusting name calling, purely designed to be deeply offensive” and threats of court proceedings to his ex-partner, with whom he shares a young child.

Abusive comments included “I will back you into a dark lonely corner mate, just where I want you”, “dumb mutt”, “K9” and “see you in court maggot.”

Mr Potter said the abuse was non-physical but has been endured over a three-year period and “taken its toll emotionally.”

The court heard the couple separated after a three-year relationship and shared custody of their child.

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The original protection order was served on February 11, 2020 and the defendant had 12 prior domestic violence order breaches, six of which occurred in the last five years.

The victim statement outlined how the abuse led to increased anxiety, affected sleep quality and caused fear.

Lawyer Luke Bull who was representing the defendant said the abuse was never physical and sought a suspended prison sentence and immediate parole.

“It is all texts and emails,” Mr Bull said.

“Vulgar words were being used, derogatory names were being used, however what’s more significant is that there isn’t any actual threat to harm.”

Magistrate Raelene Ellis responded by saying emotional and psychological abuse can “actually be more damaging and harder to get over than physical abuse.”

Ms Ellis said the defendant had “dug a hole for himself” and made it less likely he would get to see his child.

“You get more with sugar than with vinegar,” Ms Ellis said.

Sitting up straight and clearly distressed, the defendant told Ms Ellis he had taken part in the “Men Choosing Change” program for men who use abusive behaviours in intimate relationships and hoped to complete the “Men Maintaining Change” program following it.

The program aims “to help men develop and maintain respectful attitudes and behaviours within their family and intimate partner relationships.”

The man was given immediate parole and a six-month suspended sentence, with the 65 days taken into account as time already served. The domestic violence order was extended to January 16, 2028.