WOMAN JAILED FOR HARASSING FORMER PARTNER
A woman from West Belfast, who previously used a derogatory term to refer to her ex-partner, has been sentenced to six months in prison for breaching a restraining order.Celine Dutton, aged 57, residing on Clonard Rise, appeared via video link from Hydebank Wood prison at Belfast Crown Court for a plea and sentencing hearing.
She pleaded guilty to attending her former partner's business premises on November 7, 2025, despite being subject to a restraining order issued the previous year.
She also admitted to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner that could cause reasonable fear or alarm, an offence under the Protection from Stalking Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Additionally, Dutton pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the rear seat of a police Skoda car while in custody, but denied damaging the ex-partner's door.
During today's proceedings, she was re-arraigned on a new count of attempted criminal damage to the door and pleaded guilty.
The court was told that Dutton went to her ex-partner's business and shouted words including 'you baldy b*****d', 'f***ing scumbag', and 'I'm going to get you.' She was arrested, and while in the police vehicle, she told officers, 'I am going to p**s in your car and I don't care,' then proceeded to urinate in the back seat.
The vehicle was off the road for a day for cleaning.
Prosecution counsel Ian Tannahill explained that her hostility was linked to lingering resentment from a relationship that lasted 20 years.
He noted her record includes nuisance calls and previous restraining order breaches.
The victim advised the court that he believes Dutton needs structured help rather than incarceration.
Defence lawyer Damien Trainer highlighted that the offences were aggravated by domestic abuse history, as they stemmed from a past relationship.
Dutton had been in custody since the incidents and would soon have served six months.
The defence raised concerns about her housing situation, explaining she is a Housing Executive tenant and that her rent would be covered during her first six months in custody, but after that, she could face eviction and homelessness, which would be disastrous.
Trainer also mentioned that her two sisters attended court in support and emphasised her struggles with mental health, trauma, social isolation, and alcohol misuse.
Judge Neil Rafferty KC commented that Dutton's actions had severely affected her ex-partner and suggested her conduct appeared to stem from a sense of grievance or vendetta.
A pre-sentence report revealed Dutton felt lonely, fearful, and worried about losing her home.
The judge assured her she would not lose her residence, stating, 'Miss Dutton, you are not going to lose your home,' and outlined an 18-month sentence: six months in prison followed by 12 months on supervised licence.
Conditions include living at an approved address, avoiding contact with the victim, attending probation sessions, and engaging in relevant programmes.
He warned that any further offences during the supervision period would lead to immediate re-incarceration.
A five-year restraining order was also imposed.
Previously, in August of last year, Dutton received a four-month sentence for similar offences, including abusive voice messages to her ex-partner.
