Woman who 'wanted apology' from ex sent 'abusive' Facebook messages in harassment campaign

A woman who “wanted an apology” from her ex-partner bombarded him with abusive messages.

Carol Thomas sent text messages, Facebook messages and emails to her former boyfriend after their 12-year relationship came to an end in 2020. The dad also ‘nearly lost his job’ over what he said was a 'false allegation' the 60-year-old made to police.

The Thornaby woman sent seven messages over a month-long harassment campaign. She denied the offence but was convicted after a trial on November 8.

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Thomas appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for sentencing. Prosecutor Chris Tame outlined that the complainant was in a relationship with Thomas for 12 years.

The couple separated in 2020 due to a ‘number of issues in the relationship’. The Middlesbrough court heard that over a one month period, between January 27 and February 27, Thomas sent a number of text messages, Facebook messages and emails that were “abusive and offensive”.

Mr Tame added that there was a previous allegation made against Thomas’ ex-partner but no further action was taken by police. However, Thomas ‘felt there was a reasonable excuse’ to contact her ex.

In interview, she accepted she sent the Facebook messages and emails and “wanted an apology” over the allegation. Mr Tame concluded that she accepted her ‘conduct’ but ‘wanted an apology’.

In a victim personal statement, the man stated that since the break up he has received “abuse” from his ex-partner. He added that he is now ‘fearful’ and has ‘anxiety’ following the harassment.

The man now ‘avoids places he likes to go’ over fears Thomas may be there and states that it has “caused distress to the whole family”. The dad said that Thomas’ “false allegation nearly made me lose my job”.

Nick Woodhouse, mitigating, stated that Thomas “intends to appeal” the court decision and confirmed his client is in receipt of a private pension. District Judge Steven Hood stated that Thomas’ actions “intended to cause fear and distress”.

She was handed a 12 month community order, with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Thomas was also ordered to pay a £934 court bill, including a £200 fine, £620 costs and £114 surcharge. Judge Hood also imposed a two year restraining order preventing Thomas, of Riverside Mews, Pottery Wharf, Thornaby, from contacting her ex-partner.

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** A previous version of this article reported as fact that Carol Thomas made a 'false allegation' against her ex-partner to the police. In fact, the allegation Ms Thomas made was dropped and no further action was taken by the police. The article has been amended to make clear that the former partner described the allegation as 'false'. We are happy to clarify this and apologise for the error. This correction has been published following an upheld ruling by the Independent Press Standards Organisation.**