A Pembroke teenager who sent abusive messages online to his girlfriend's mother has been given a 12-month community order.

The 19-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to an allegation of pursuing a course of conduct which involved harassment by sending 13 abusive messages via Facebook to the complainant.

Prosecutor, Mr. Nick Newton, told the court that the complainant in the case was the mother of the defendant's girlfriend.

"The complainant was not happy with their relationship and wanted it to end," Mr. Newton told magistrates.

"On December 20, she received 13 messages from the defendant via Facebook of an abusive, insulting and threatening nature.

"She regarded these messages as real threats and reported them to the police."

The court heard how the defendant admitted in a police interview that he had sent the messages online using his grandmother's laptop, as he wanted to get back at his girlfriend's mother and cause her "alarm and stress" but had no intention of hurting anyone.

His solicitor, Mr. Matthew Greenish, told magistrates that his client fully admitted the charges, but that his version of events slightly differed.

"The background differs slightly, as he explained that everything was fine, and he lived with his girlfriend at her parents for a period, until he got into an argument with her mother, who then made threats towards him.

"One day he consumed too much alcohol, lost his head, and sent the offending messages online.

"Emotions were high and drink was involved, he was just letting off steam and had no intention of carrying out his threats," continued Mr. Greenish.

The court heard that the defendant had no previous convictions, but cautions for public order offences and criminal damage matters.

Magistrates requested that a stand down report be given on the defendant by the probation service.

Reporting back to the court, probation officer Julie Norman said that drink had led to him sending the abusive messages.

"This is his first conviction, but a number of cautions given previoulsy seem to be connected to offences committed due to drinking," she explained, recommending to magistrates that a community order be given to the defendant.

Chief magistrate Mr. David Simpson told him that he "should be ashamed" of his behaviour.

"The messages were unpleasant and of an abusive and threatening nature. They are not the kind of messages I would like to receive myself and were absolutely disgusting," he remarked.

"You may look like butter wouldn't melt in your mouth, but your mother has to sit here in court today and listen to language like that, which has come from you.

"You should be absolutely ashamed of yourself, as this is not a way for a normal adult to behave in this day and age and I hope you have learnt your lesson, and don't let alcohol get the better of you again," added Mr. Simpson.

Magistrates gave the defendant a 12-month community order, with supervision to run with an alcohol activity requirement.

He was also fined £120 for the incident and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £60 victim surcharge.