RYAN O'DONNELL

PETERLEE BUSINESSMAN WHO BREACHED RESTRAINING ORDER VIA SOCIAL MEDIA SENTENCED

A businessman described as 'arrogant' who had previously been under a restraining order following an assault on his former partner has violated that order four years later by attempting to connect with her on Instagram.

Ryan O'Donnell, aged 30, used both his professional and personal social media profiles to send multiple friend requests to his ex within a two-week period.

Court reports indicated he made four follow requests—three through his business account and one from his personal account—causing his ex-partner to feel frightened and emotionally distressed.

O'Donnell, who lives on Skerne Close in Peterlee, appeared at Durham Crown Court to be sentenced after admitting to breaching the restraining order.

This order was part of a suspended sentence and a ten-year ban imposed in 2021 following a serious assault on his then-partner.

The victim explained her ongoing fear, saying that the Instagram requests made her constantly look over her shoulder, and criticized O'Donnell for showing a complete lack of regard for the court order and acting arrogantly.

Although the court acknowledged O'Donnell's belief that contact details had been unblocked, the judge condemned his attitude, highlighting his dismissive and arrogant behavior.

He was sentenced to a two-year community order, with 30 days of rehabilitation requirements, a six-month program, and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Additionally, he must complete a six-month alcohol treatment program and pay costs of £150.