‘Appalling messages’ were sent to a Pembroke Dock couple when home-exchange discussions turned sour.

John Scott Holloway, of West Cliff on Sea, pleaded guilty to sending an offensive message to cause distress or anxiety when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, February 12,

Abul Hussain, prosecuting, told the court that a Pembroke Dock couple had been in contact with Holloway about a potential council property exchange, and the correspondence was initially amicable and pleasant.

The relationship broke down when the parties decided not to go ahead with the house swap, and on July 20 Holloway sent offensive messages which were very upsetting and caused distress.

Mr Hussain said: “The defendant was arrested, and accepted using those words and apologised.”

The court heard that Holloway, 51, was previously of clean character, and there had been no further contact between him and the complainants.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “I feel scared, extremely upset and shocked. I am terrified to sleep and do not feel safe in my own home.”

Mark Layton, defending, said: “The choice of words he used is unacceptable and appalling. He expressed regret in interview.”

Mr Layton added that Holloway, a full-time carer, had repainted his house in the colour of the complainants’ choice when he believed the home exchange was going ahead.

“Discussions were at an advanced stage when the complaints decided that they did not want to proceed, which caused Mr Holloway a great deal of upset.

“Following consumption of a considerable amount of alcohol he found his judgement flawed and he sent messages which he recognised are grossly offensive and inappropriate. He shows genuine remorse.”

Mr Layton added that Holloway’s behaviour was out of character.

“It was a one-off incident where he had consumed a large amount of alcohol.”

Magistrates imposed a six-month community order with a 7pm to 7am tagged curfew and ordered him to pay £170 in costs and a surcharge.

A 12-month restraining order was imposed prohibiting Holloway from contacting the complainants.