A MAN who sent offensive messages to a police officer has been banned from contacting police except in a genuine emergency.

Ian Pipe appeared before magistrates in Hereford for trial in May after entering a guilty plea to one count of sending a letter or communication conveying an indecent or offensive message and a not guilty plea to one count of harassment without violence.

The second charge was dismissed at the hearing as no evidence was offered.

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The court heard from prosecutor Paul John that the 58-year-old had sent a police officer voicemails and text messages which conveyed a message which was indecent or grossly offensive for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety to the recipient between October 26 and November 1.

Pipe, of Sunningdale, Leominster, was handed a 12-month conditional discharge and a 12-month restraining order banning him from contacting the police officer by any means save for a genuine emergency.

He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £135.


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