How sending three laughing emojis on Instagram landed a man in court

A man admitted breaching a restraining order by sending a message to a mum-of-three he is banned from contacting.

By Sue Kirby

Published 14th Dec 2019, 08:00 BST

Updated 14th Dec 2019, 11:41 BST

The case was heard at Teesside Magistrates' Court.

Keith Robert Tippey, 38, of Denbigh Road, Billingham, pleaded guilty to sending a message, containing three laughing emojis, to the victim’s Instagram account in October.

Joanne Hesse, prosecuting at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, said Tippey is subject to a restraining order until April 2021 not to contact the injured party.

Reading from the victim’s statement, she said: “I am in constant fear of him finding out my new address. I have had a number of occasions where he has found me and gained access.

“I have three children and I need to protect them.”

Ms Hesse said the victim has set up additional security around her home and finds it difficult to carry out routine activities due to the situation with the defendant.

The case was adjourned until December 19 at 10am for a pre-sentence report.