EX SENT ABUSIVE MESSAGES IN BID TO DROP SERIOUS CHARGES
A man who sent a number of abusive messages to his former partner while on bail for other criminal charges pleaded with her not to inform the police, a court has been told.Vincent Hider, aged 60, sent harmful messages to his ex between July and September of this year in an attempt to prevent her from supporting charges of stalking and criminal damage that were ongoing against him.
Hider, from Perranporth, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday, November 18, after he admitted to attempting to pervert the course of justice on October 21.
Prosecutor Lewis Aldous explained that the incident dates back to August and involved a relationship between the defendant and the complainant.
He mentioned that related allegations of stalking and criminal damage were part of the case, with Hider scheduled to face court on those charges separately.
In September, Hider’s former partner contacted police to report that she had been receiving calls and messages from him, despite him being on conditional bail that prohibited contact.
Mr Aldous stated, “Some of the messages were abusive, including insults such as calling her a s**g and a b***h.
One message read: ‘I’m begging you, please don't tell them I’ve been in touch.’” Defence lawyer Martin Pearce said Hider had entered a guilty plea promptly and his cooperation with authorities, despite initial confusion about the proceedings, should be viewed positively.
He also pointed out that Hider had a limited criminal record, posed a low risk of reoffending, and had shown genuine remorse.
During sentencing, Judge Simon Carr remarked that the inability to accept the end of his relationship was a common and troubling pattern.
He told Hider, “You were unable to accept it in an adult fashion.” The judge noted the messages were abusive and frightening, likely affecting the victim.
Addressing the bail conditions Hider was under, the judge added, “You simply ignored the court order as if it didn't apply to you.” Taking into account Hider’s age and clean record, the judge mitigated his sentence, ultimately sentencing him to nine months in prison, suspended for two years, and imposed a five-year restraining order preventing contact with the victim.
