Hawick: Man who admitted stalking former partner is fined

Michael Pringle pleaded guilty to engaging in a course of conduct likely to cause the woman fear and alarm in Fraser Avenue and elsewhere in Hawick and also the A7 between January 12 and February 25.

He repeatedly sent her messages despite being told they were not welcome.

On February 25 he parked outside her home and waited for her despite knowing she did not want to speak to him and followed her in his car.

Depute fiscal Joanne Waller told Jedburgh Sheriff Court that the couple's two-year relationship ended in December 2020.

But on February 25 at 6.30am the woman noticed Pringle's car parked outside her home.

He got out of the vehicle to speak to her saying he would give her a lift and asked her for a cuddle.

The fiscal said the woman was frightened and got into her vehicle which she locked.

Ms Waller continued: "The woman drove to her place of work along the usual route and he followed her.

"At one point he went in front of the woman's vehicle and gesticulated with his middle finger towards her.

"When she got near her workplace she lost sight of the accused and parked.

"Then she received a text message talking about having a nice lunch break my wee angel and see you after work."

Ms Waller said this concerned the woman who replied: "Go home and leave me alone. Please don't call."

But at 10 past one she received a further message in which Pringle claimed the woman had stolen £400 worth of items from him and that he would bring Police Scotland with him to retrieve it.

At that point the woman contacted the police who cautioned and charged him.

Pringle, now living in Bonnyrigg, had reacted to the breakdown in the relationship and "went too far" according to his lawyer.

But she pointed out he had been on bail since March 29 without any further offending.

Pringle was fined £225 with a £20 Victim Surcharge added on and a two-year Non Harassment Order was imposed preventing him from having any contact with his former partner.