A WARRNAMBOOL man who set up a fake Facebook account to abuse his former partner has been warned he risks jail if he breaches an intervention order again.
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John Ransley, of Bates Road, pleaded guilty in Warrnambool Magistrates Court last week to twice breaching a family violence intervention order.
The court heard Ransley, 44, had been in a two-year relationship with the victim before the relationship dissolved.
On March 31 this year, the victim accepted a friendship request on Facebook from the accused operated under a fake profile name.
Ransley began abusing his former partner online.
“The messages were nice to begin with but soon became abusive,” police prosecutor Sandra Skilton said.
Ransley had also spotted the victim walking along a Warrnambool street and shouted abuse from his car.
Ransley followed the victim in his car, intimidating her as she tried to get away.
“The victim stated to police that she was in fear of the accused,” Sergeant Skilton said. Ransley’s defence counsel conceded his client had set up the fake account, but said the accused denied sending the abusive messages.
When magistrate Peter Mellas said he doubted those claims, Ransley switched his plea to guilty.
Mr Mellas told Ransley he had to respect the court order prohibiting him from contacting the victim.
“You agreed to the court order. Once it’s in place you need to respect it,” he said.
“Any future breaches could lead to you being jailed.”
Ransley was issued with a $463 fine.