Man admits to harassment and threatening to kill or cause harm to his ex-girlfriend

Man admits to harassment and threatening to kill or cause harm to his ex-girlfriend

A TALLAGHT man harassed his ex-girlfriend by sending her threatening messages including a photograph of an imitation gun.

Lewis Loftus, aged 28, also told the woman’s cousin to “say your goodbyes” in a threat sent when they were on a night out together.

blanchardstown courthouse

Blanchardstown District Court

Loftus, with an address at Cloonmore Avenue, Tallaght, admitted before Blanchardstown District Court to charges of harassment and threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the woman.

Judge Gerard Jones said he would need to see a victim impact statement before finalising the case.

He remanded Loftus on continuing bail to July.

Sergeant Maria Callaghan told the court after the relationship between Loftus and the woman turned sour, he sent her a number of threatening text messages, one of which included an image of an imitation handgun.

He also sent a death threat to the cousin of the injured party, who was present at the time, Sgt Callaghan said.

“You are done, my man, say your goodbyes,” the message said.

Loftus had no previous convictions for any offence.

He had fully co-operated with the investigation.

Solicitor William Cadogan, defending, said his client had met the injured party on a dating app, “got to know one another and were in a relationship for only four months”.

Difference arose between them and the relationship went sour, he said.

Loftus regretted harassing his ex, which was done in a drunken “jealous state,” he said. There was “no intent” behind the sending of the picture of the gun and there was “no malice in it,” Mr Cadogan said.

When interviewed, the accused told gardai he regretted that he “frightened” the woman and still had guilt. He told gardai he “never, ever” had any intention of carrying out any threats.

Both parties were now in separate relationships, had no contact with each other and Loftus was happily engaged, Mr Cadogan said.

Judge Jones said he would not decide on a penalty yet and requested a victim impact statement.

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