Man bombarded his ex with hundreds of phone calls

Dean Chapman's ex had split from him in February describing the relationship as "toxic" before a slew of calls.

Between February 2 and 16, the 26-year-old called in excess of 400 times, heard Dumbarton Sheriff Court on October 1.

Of those, 111 were made from his number, and the Bonhill woman answered 67 of them.

The court was told he was never abusive on the calls, but his persistent behaviour caused concern.

Between February 12 and 18 and on March 3, there was a constant stream of messages.

"He continued to harass daily from his number and another mobile phone," said the prosecutor.

The woman was advised by her solicitor and social workers to block his number.

But calls continued and she eventually contacted police, stating they were getting "progressively worse".

Police later invited him to attend Clydebank police office where he was cautioned and charged.

Chapman, of Gallowgate, later pleaded guilty to causing his partner or ex fear and alarm and repeatedly and excessively contacting her by phone, text, social media and email, repeatedly asking her to reconcile.

This was between February 2 and April 15, 2024, at a property in Bonhill. He was on bail at the time.

At sentencing last week, defence solicitor Scott Adair said there was a desire from both parties to "reconcile with each other".

He said his client was currently on an existing community payback order with hours of unpaid work.

Sheriff Morag Fraser imposed a second with 18 months of supervision by social workers. He must also do another 225 hours of unpaid work in the community within that time.

No non-harassment order was imposed.