A stalker, labelled "repellent" by a sheriff, used penny deposits via the internet banking system to pursue a former girlfriend after she blocked him on social media, a court heard today.
Sean Barret, 25, of Grangemouth, also threatened to sent intimate pictures of his 24-year-old ex to a football club and sent her "hundreds" of emails begging for a reconciliation.
When she didn't answer them, apart from to ask him to stop, and she blocked him on social media, he used her bank account to continue to get in touch with her.
He made "numerous" electronic deposits to her bank account, each for a single penny.
Prosecutor Sean Maher told Falkirk Sheriff Court this allowed him to use the reference field to enter phrases such as "miss you", "I'm sorry", and "please unblock.
The court heard that between July 1st and August 4th last year, after their relationship ended, he repeatedly contacted her via social media, emails, and other electronic means, asking her to get back with him, repeatedly made threats towards her and her property, repeatedly threatened her family and her family's property, and repeatedly threatened to disclose intimate images of her to the public.
Mr Maher, the depute fiscal, said: "Some of these messages contained threats to send persons to her door.
"Further messages contained selfie emojis which were interpreted by her as a threat to disclose intimate images."
On July 31st 2020 she received an email from Barret with threats to send intimate pictures of her to Grangemouth Football Club.
Included was an album of photographs, some of which she had willingly sent to Barret, and some she wasn't aware of.
Other messages related to a drug debt Barret had run up, and which he asked her to pay off.
The court heard that the woman was so concerned about Barret's behaviour that she moved out of her home and went back to live with her parents.
Police were called in and Barret was arrested.
When officers arrived at his home, he said: "It's [name of victim]. I went too far."
Barret pleaded guilty to stalking.
Solicitor Paul McCue, defending, said: "There's no justification for his behaviour."
Sheriff Christopher Shead said: "Cowardly and repellent are two words that spring to mind."
He jailed Barret for seven months, and imposed a two-year non harassment order forbidding him from contacting his victim.
Barret showed no emotion as he was led to the cells.
