A POWYS man already serving a prison sentence will stay behind bars for another six months after breaching a restraining order.
Joshua New, from Newtown, told his former partner he would “remove her from the earth” as he repeatedly contacted her between April and May this year about access to their nine-month-old daughter – who he has never met.
New, 28, had been barred from contacting the victim after being issued with a restraining order by Wolverhampton Crown Court in January.
At Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 11, New, appearing via videolink from prison, admitted three charges of harassment and breaching the restraining order, on April 5 and 28 and May 3. No evidence was offered in relation to a fourth charge of harassment.
OTHER NEWS:
- Historic pub on Powys border reborn as sought-after holiday let
- Extra train to be added year-round on Powys line after public pressure
- Newtown man appears in court over perverting course of justice charge
The court heard that having denied the offences, New admitted breaching the restraining order by sending Snapchat and WhatsApp messages, as well as making numerous phone calls to the victim.
Prosecutor Helen Tench said the restraining order had been made for five years. She said New was in prison on recall after these offences, which were committed while he was on licence in relation to a dangerous driving conviction.
“The defendant is now the subject of a lengthy custodial sentence,” said Mrs Tench.
“She was a passenger in a car where the driver was assaulted, with the defendant also convicted of dangerous driving. He is now back in prison as he has been recalled.”
She said the victim received “repeated” Snapchat and WhatsApp messages from New, and calls from an unknown number.
“In one he threatened to remove her from the earth,” said Mrs Tench.
Reading from a victim impact statement, Mrs Tench said: “I feel anxious again, I have felt like it since he has been released.
“I am worried how he found my number, my health conditions have flared up. I am worried he may turn up outside my mum and dad’s home; they’re so worried they are even considering moving.”
Acting for New, of Lower Canal Road, Newtown, Owain Jones said that although his client initially pleaded not guilty, he had indicated a change of plea early on in the case.
“He desperately wants contact with the child but has been prevented from doing so," he said. "He doesn’t know the child’s name or her date of birth; he is arranging contact now with solicitors.
“I would ask you to give him a term of imprisonment. He is subject to a lengthy term and is due for release in October 2025.
“He is sorry for what it’s worth. He went the wrong way about it and acknowledges his blame.”
Magistrates jailed New for 12 weeks for each of the three offences. However, they reduced that to 8 weeks for each offence, due to his guilty pleas, so he will serve a total period of 24 weeks; with each term to be served consecutively.
New will not serve any additional jail time though as the 24 weeks will be served concurrently to his current sentence.
He was ordered to pay a £154 surcharge on his release, but magistrates ordered no costs or compensation.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here