Man jailed after bombarding his ex with texts

A CARMARTHEN man has been sent to prison after he admitted harassing his ex-girlfriend with hundreds of text messages.

Simon Gumbrell, 44, of Lammas Street, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli yesterday and admitted the charge of harassment without violence.

The court heard how Gumbrell had bombarded former partner Jennifer Emma Miller with "constant" text messages for the three weeks prior to his arrest in August.

Prosecuting, Dennis Davies said: "They started a relationship in March this year lasting for several months until the end of July.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013

"She ended the relationship because of the controlling and manipulative behaviour of this defendant. Since the end he's been constantly texting her. Though not abusive, they are causing her upset."

He said Gumbrell was warned by police to stop texting Ms Miller, a 26-year-old doctor, but after continuing to do so he was arrested on August 18.

Defending, Peter Rhys Jones said problems with alcohol and cannabis had caused Gumbrell to suffer from depression and paranoia.

He said: "He suffered abuse in his young life and has great difficulty trusting people.

"He fully accepts that his abuse of alcohol and cannabis fuelled that.

"Those exacerbated the underlying problems he already had."

But Mr Rhys Jones said since being taken into custody nearly three weeks ago, Gumbrell had stopped using the substances and instead started taking anti-depressants and Valium, which were working.

"He's been using proper medication and found it useful," he added.

However, magistrates sentenced him to a total of 12 weeks in prison for the offence.

Presiding magistrate Gareth Jones said: "The victim needed mental help and counselling.

"The other reason we are giving you this sentence is the pre-sentence report entailed very little option."

He said Gumbrell's sentence was reduced in light of his early guilty plea.

Gumbrell was also handed a restraining order to prevent him from contacting Ms Miller.

laura.burnip@swwmedia.co.uk

01554 745307