Man given probation after 'disturbing' answerphone messages

A Willaston man who left "disturbing" messages on the answering machines of three social workers has been handed a Probation Order.

56-year-old Richard Alan Kewley, of Tynwald Road, left the unpleasant recordings at "very odd hours" after taking issue with their involvement with an elderly woman he cared for.

He later pleaded guilty to two offences of displaying conduct which caused fear or violence between October 13th and November 28th last year.
 
He also admitted conduct amounting to harassment between February 2nd and March 14th this year. 

At Douglas Courthouse yesterday Kewley's advocate told the court he had "fragile mental health" adding "Mr Kewley needs to learn he cannot deal with his emotions in this way". 

Sentencing Kewley Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told him alcohol was an "aggravating factor" to his offending adding all offences wre commited whilst he was intoxicated and at night. 

She added "social workers working in the community often have a very hard press, both here and in the UK" describing their work as "thankless". 

Putting him under the 18-month order she also ordered him to pay costs of £250.