A TRANENT man has appeared in court to admit breaching a non-harassment order (NHO).

Henry McDonald had the order imposed on him in March last year following separate court proceedings against him.

He was ordered not to approach or contact his former partner at her former home at McGregor Pend in Prestonpans unless it was concerned with childcare arrangements.

But 36-year-old McDonald breached the conditions of the NHO when he made contact with the woman by sending her 48 texts over a two-week period last year.

Last Thursday, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that some of the messages were “abusive” and did not relate to childcare.

The court was told the texts included McDonald telling the woman he “hated her with all his heart” and “you are the worst kind of person”.

The woman did not reply to the messages but decided to report the matter to the police after two weeks of being contacted by her former partner.

The court was told that the non-harassment order in place at the time had now expired and the woman was “in favour” of a new one being imposed.

Sheriff John Cook was also informed that the woman wanted no more contact with McDonald and civil proceedings regarding childcare were taking place.

Sheriff Cook agreed to impose a new 12-month NHO on McDonald, meaning he is banned from contacting the woman or entering the entire street she now lives on.

The sheriff also told McDonald, of Co-op Buildings, Haddington Road, Tranent, he must pay a fine of £360 to mark the offence.

McDonald pleaded guilty to breaching a non-harassment order by repeatedly contacting his former partner between July 19 and August 4 last year.