SHANKILL GRANDAD WHO FILMED EX-WIFE DRIVING TO AND FROM HER HOME AVOIDS JAIL
A Belfast man named Harold Bryans (48), from the Shankill area, was convicted of two counts of breaching a restraining order.The court was told that police attended the complainant's home in April after Bryans was seen filming her.
She reported that he had stood on her street corner 'holding his phone in the air' and on a separate occasion, he had 'walked towards and past her car' while appearing to record her.
The victim stated she felt 'intimidated' by his behaviour, especially since he had been issued a restraining order after their relationship of 29 years had ended.
Bryans had also received a six-month suspended sentence in March for offences aggravated by domestic abuse of the same victim.
His solicitor explained he used cocaine and cannabis at the time, which 'exacerbated his fixation.' The court was told Bryans had lost his job and his partner of nearly 30 years, and that he has been diagnosed with learning difficulties and had been using cannabis for 30 years.
The judge, District Judge Anne Marshall, handed him a two-year probation order and 80 hours of community service, describing it as his 'last chance to stay out of Maghaberry for a considerable period.' She expressed disappointment that Bryans continued his behaviour just a month after his suspended sentence, citing his report of trying to 'report them for a road traffic offence' as an excuse.
The judge added that his actions had impacted his family, especially his daughter, and that the victim simply wants to live peacefully without interference.
