An offshore worker has been fined almost £800 after sending his estranged wife a string of “menacing” text messages following their separation.
Marc Watson, from Burghead, threatened to make Julie Watson “sorry she had been born” following their breakup, Elgin Sheriff Court heard yesterday.
The court heard that the 39-year-old sent the texts between June 11 and June 29.
Fiscal, Alex Swain, said: “The complainer received text messages from the accused after she started a new relationship.”
She read out one message, which said: “If you ever decide to poison my daughter’s mind again I will make you sorry you were ever born.”
Another said: “I will destroy you, I’ll make you sorry you were born.”
Watson, of Forteath Street, admitted to sending Mrs Watson messages that were “grossly offensive, and of an obscene or menacing character”.
He also confessed to a second charge, of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner when he visited Mrs Watson’s new home in Elgin on June 12.
The court heard that he “banged on a window” while shouting at her and threatening to damage the car belonging to her new partner.
Watson’s lawyer, Stephen Carty, said the couple’s relationship had become “acrimonious on both sides”.
He added: “There was an exchange of messages where the terms used by both parties left a lot to be desired.
“My client is now hoping that matters between them will thaw.”
Sheriff Chris Dickson imposed a total fine of £795.
