WOMAN SENTENCED AFTER THREATENING EX WITH GUN AND ONLINE ABUSE
A woman identified as Gemma Heppolette, aged 40, has been involved in a series of threatening and harassing behaviors toward her former partner, Heath Booton, who is the lead singer of the band XLR.Despite being granted a restraining order to remain away from Mr.
Booton, Heppolette continued to stalk him and respond with violent threats, including a message where she claimed to have brought her "little black friend" and said "Bang, Bang.
I will use it" during a guitar performance at a gig.
She also sent threatening messages warning that she would "walk on his grave" and had previously made threats to defecate on his grave.
These actions caused Mr.
Booton to feel terrified and anxious, especially as they persisted over a period of at least 10 years after their two-year relationship ended in 2014.
Heppolette was found guilty of breaching the restraining order and was sentenced to a two-year jail term, which was suspended for two years.
Additionally, she received a six-month curfew and an indefinite restraining order preventing her from contacting Mr.
Booton.
During her court appearance, Judge Tim Rose described her behavior as extremely extreme and menacing, noting that she had numerous problems managing relationships and had posted offensive images of Mr.
Booton's children online, calling them "c****." The court recognized that she had a history of distress, including being diagnosed with an "emotional unstable personality disorder." The judge also emphasized her ongoing pattern of harassment, which included sending vile messages, making threats, and lying in court about her actions, despite evidence to the contrary.
He pointed out her repeated incarcerations and remand periods, highlighting her pattern of behavior.
The case underscores her long-term obsession and dangerous conduct towards her ex-partner, with the court taking into account her mental health and criminal history in her sentencing.
