Paul Gascoigne made subject of restraining order following harassment conviction

On 29 October 2015 former footballer Paul Gascoigne pleaded guilty to harassment of his former partner, Amanda Thomas, contrary to section 2 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.  Mr Gascoigne sent abusive messages and threats through a series of tweets, phone calls and text messages alongside being verbally aggressive at her place of work.

Handing down a 12-month community service order at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court, District Judge Stephen Nicholls stated that the extent of Mr Gascoigne’s online harassment was aggravated through his use of Twitter.  Mr Gascoigne was aware that he was tweeting to some 80,000 followers and ‘gave no thought to how people would respond.’

Restraining Order

DJ Nicholls granted a restraining order, under section 5 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, preventing Mr Gascoigne from making any contact with Ms Thomas or mentioning her on social media for two years.  DJ Nicholls warned that breaching the terms of the order could result in a sentence of up to five years' imprisonment.  Mr Gascoigne was also ordered to pay Ms Thomas £1,000 in compensation alongside a fine of £100 and £235 in court costs.

Mr Gascoigne also pleaded guilty to common assault and criminal damage charges in relation to an incident involving photographer Steven Shepherd.  Mr Gascoigne and Mr Shepherd had had an altercation after photographs were taken of Mr Gascoigne signing autographs for fans in a local café.  Mr Gascoigne was ordered to pay the photographer £100 for a cut sustained on his head and also £200 for damage to his glasses.

Click here to find out how Brett Wilson LLP can help you if you have been a victim of online harassment.