Two years’ probation for spurned lover (30)

Oct 2 2008

A BOTHWELL man who harassed his ex-girlfriend has been put on probation for two years.

Adam Norris (30), was addicted to cocaine when he pestered Debbie Callaghan and her parents at their Hamilton home.

The offences occurred over a two-month period last year.

Sheriff Vincent Smith sentenced Norris to probation.

As part of the order, Norris must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work in the community.

The court heard Norris and Ms Callaghan had enjoyed an 18-month relationship before they broke up in May last year.

Norris turned up at the address of Ms Callaghan and her parents in Greenfield Road, Hamilton, on May 19, 2007.

He spoke with Debbie Callaghan briefly but he became aggressive and started shouting and swearing after she refused to leave with him.

Later that day, he repeatedly sent texts and made phone calls to Ms Callaghan and her parents and uttered threats of violence.

Norris phoned Francis Callaghan – Debbie’s father – and said “I’m going to f****** kill you, you old b******”.

At about 5am the following morning, ambulance technicians and police turned up to Norris’ address in Croftbank Crescent, Bothwell, after it was feared he would attempt to kill himself.

A suicide note and a length of cable were found in the house, along with a can of CS gas.

Norris then appeared in Hamilton Sheriff Court on May 21 last year and was bailed on special conditions that he didn’t contact the Callaghans or go to their address.

But that night Norris sent a text message to Debbie Callaghan.

After she ignored him, Norris made repeated attempts to speak to her.

Police contacted Norris and he apologised, stating he wouldn’t contact her again.

But on June 15, Norris sent another text message to Debbie Callaghan asking if she wanted to go to a George Michael concert with him.

Again, she ignored Norris.

Later that morning, the Callaghans were woken up at approximately 5.15am.

Norris was standing next to Mr Callaghan’s van outside the house.

The 30-year-old then slashed two tyres of the vehicle with a knife.

After the incident, Norris made repeated attempts to contact Debbie Callaghan on another two occasions.

Two months ago, Norris admitted a string of charges including breach of the peace and breaching bail conditions. He further admitted the illegal possession of the CS gas and a knife, and slashing Mr Callaghan’s tyres.

Defence solicitor John Paul Mowberry told the court Norris no longer takes cocaine and has been living in Scunthorpe, England, in full-time employment for the past year.