Entered house uninvited

AN ENGINEER from North-East Lincolnshire who entered his former partner’s Brae home uninvited at the weekend has had sentence deferred for him to be of good behaviour.

James Lister, 32, of Chestnut Avenue, Immingham, admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause fear or alarm on Saturday (6 August) by attending the property, banging on the door and windows and entering uninvited.

Lerwick Sheriff Court heard on Monday afternoon that Lister and his ex-girlfriend had been at the same social function earlier that night. He persistently tried to speak to her despite her making clear that she did not want to talk to him.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the woman had been concerned he might follow her home, so she ensured the doors and windows were closed before going to bed.

She was awoken by banging on the doors and windows, which she tried to ignore. But the property’s patio door was unlocked and Lister made his way inside.

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The woman had to repeatedly tell him to leave before he eventually did so.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Lister had been in a relationship with the complainant around two years ago. He had been aware of things being said about his conduct in that relationship and wanted to “set the record straight”.

Lister understood that his actions would have caused her alarm, and he does not intend to attempt to contact her again.

He is also likely to lose his job as an engineer as a result of the court appearance, Allan added.

Honorary sheriff Malcolm Bell deferred sentence until 1 February for Lister to be of good behaviour. He was granted bail with the special condition that he does not attempt to contact the woman directly or indirectly.