DAD CLAIMS RACIALLY ABUSIVE MESSAGES SENT TO EX WAS 'JUST A TIFF'
Dad Johnathon Richardson sent abusive messages to his ex-partner after an acrimonious break-up.The 38-year-old called her derogatory names including an 'N-word lover', a reference to her previously having a relationship with a black man.
Prosecutor Lee Stone said the offending happened after the breakdown of the defendant's 10-year relationship with his partner.
They have a child together and she has another child from a previous relationship.
Mr Stone said: "She said he had sent her a number of abusive messages regarding the breakdown of the relationship, calling her derogatory names, some of a racist conjecture.
The complainant states she had previously had a relationship with a black partner and they share a child together.
The defendant sent her messages saying she was an N-word lover, using it in a derogatory way towards her." In a victim statement the woman said: "It has had a significant emotional impact on me.
I have been described by my bosses as an emotional wreck." Richardson, of Clover Road, Wolstanton, pleaded guilty to sending a communication of an indecent or offensive nature.
Representing himself, Richardson said the offending was over a couple of days when they had 'just had a tiff'.
He said: "We had just gone through a break-up.
Everything has been very amicable since.
There are no problems between me and her at all.
We have both moved on with our lives.
I have no interest in causing any problems.
I just want to move on with my life." Richardson added that he had not drunk alcohol since April last year and he underwent a kidney transplant in July.
As part of the community order Richardson must complete a Building Choices programme.
He was made the subject of a 12-month restraining order which prohibits him from contacting his victim other than through an agreed third party in relation to child contact.
Magistrate Phil Taylor told Richardson: "It was aggravated given the domestic relationship between you and your ex-partner, the racial slurs that were made and the impact that would have had on your ex-partner.
It was not your finest hour." "To your credit, you admitted to this offence and there have been no breaches of the bail conditions so you have shown you can turn your life around." Richardson was fined £600 and ordered to pay £300 costs and a £114 surcharge.
