A Swindon man has admitted breaching a protective court order five times.
Shane Brennan repeatedly made contact with his ex-partner – who he pleaded guilty to assaulting earlier this year – despite a non-molestation order.
On 10 October, Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard how the 48-year-old made phone calls to the woman on 18 July, 22 July and 20 September.
He sent his victim a message including a photograph of her with a friend on 26 July. Alongside the image, he wrote: “What a state.”
On several occasions on 10 September, he sent her Facebook friend requests.
Prosecutor Keith Ballinger said the behaviour left the woman – who was with Brennan for ten years – “feeling anxious because of issues previously in the relationship”.
He said the defendant, of Limes Avenue, has a previous conviction for assaulting his victim. In April 2022, he grabbed her and held her down; he initially denied the charge but pleaded guilty before trial.
Richard Williams, defending, said that his client was “adamant he was not abusive” during their decade-long relationship – despite his assault conviction.
He said that Brennan had been calling his victim because “he cannot afford solicitor fees” in order to make child contact arrangements.
Probation officer Mr Coltart told the court that he is deemed unsuitable for the Building Better Relationships programme “due to his behaviour in meetings”.
He said the defendant claimed he only pleaded guilty to “protect his family from having to give evidence” at the trial.
Mr Coltart added that he “cannot be reasoned with and a mutually respectful conversation is impossible”.
The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report. Brennan will be sentenced on 30 October.
