South Shields woman given restraining order after sending harassing text messages asking for money
A woman harassed her former partner by sending her a string of text messages - despite being warned to keep away from her by police, a court heard.
Tracey Smith, 49, of Vine Street, South Shields, was quizzed by officers over an unrelated matter against her then girlfriend on Thursday, June 4.
She was granted police bail on condition she did not attempt to make contact with the woman, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told.
But four days later she sent her a text to ask if she could come to her home address in South Shields.
More texts followed on Wednesday, June 24, which included a request for money and a message professing her love.
Prosecutor Glenda Beck said: “The complainant has provided a statement to police.
“It said she had known the defendant for three years and had been in a relationship with her.
“There had been an issue and the police were contacted on June 4. She was arrested and placed on police bail not to contact the woman or enter [a named street in South Shields].
“There were numerous texts on June 24. She was asking for money and saying that she loved her.”
Mrs Beck said the victim told police the texts were unwelcome, causing her alarm and distress and that she didn’t want to continue with their relationship.
She added: “She was subject to bail and has deliberately breached it.”
The court heard, which was urged by the complainant to impose a restraining order, was told police did not pursue the original complaint against Smith.
David Forrester, defending, said Smith’s messages expressed fondness for her former partner.
He added: “They are both individuals with their own difficulties.
“I’m a little concerned about the restraining order and concerned there may be a short reconciliation.”
Smith was given a 12-month community order which requires her to undertake up to 20 rehabilitation days’ work with the Probation Service.
She was also handed a six-month restraining order, preventing her contacting her victim and from entering a particular street in South Shields, and must pay a £94 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.