A 37-year-old man has been sentenced after a drunken rampage triggered by a social media post led him to smash his mother-in-law's car windscreen and unleash a torrent of abuse.
Drunken Outburst Over Online Post
Kiely Welsh, of Atwood Grove in Kidsgrove, lost his temper after seeing something his mother-in-law had shared online. Fueled by alcohol, he went to her address where she had parked her car and vandalised the vehicle's windscreen.
The incident, heard at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, marked the start of a campaign of harassment that spanned September and October. Prosecutor Sue Hayers outlined how Welsh then contacted his wife, seemingly to admit responsibility for the damage, before bombarding both victims with countless abusive calls and messages.
A Torrent of Abusive Messages
The court was told that Welsh often appeared to be under the influence of drink during these contacts. His messages were described as 'very abusive in nature'. He targeted his wife with vile insults, branding her a 's**t', a 's**g', and a 'tramp'.
In communication with his mother-in-law, he made a deeply offensive comment about his wife, stating 'don't you know she's a little w***e'.
Welsh pleaded guilty to criminal damage and harassment on October 10. However, he later breached his bail conditions on October 29 by making further contact with the victims.
Community Order and Path to Rehabilitation
In mitigation, defence solicitor Mike Kimberley said Welsh's behaviour was driven by alcohol dependency and mental health struggles, triggered by a 'devastating' personal event. "It wasn't Mr Welsh's finest hour and, through me, he wishes to extend his apologies," Mr Kimberley told the court.
The solicitor added that Welsh's wife was willing to take him back provided he addresses his issues. Welsh, who is currently self-employed after problems in his previous industry, was assured of full-time work once his behaviour improves.
Magistrates handed Welsh an 18-month community order, stating the offending fell just below the custody threshold. The order requires him to:
- Complete a three-month alcohol treatment course.
- Wear an electronic ankle tag for 120 days to monitor his whereabouts.
- Pay £399 in court costs.
He was also made subject to an 18-month restraining order protecting his mother-in-law. The magistrates told Welsh: "These are unpleasant circumstances for both your wife and your mother-in-law."
