Irvine man admits drink-driving at more than 100mph and sending ex-girlfriend menacing messages

William Byrne, 36, of Gottries Road, appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week where he pled guilty to five charges.

Between January 17-19 Byrne sent messages and pictures to his ex partner that were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.

On January 16 Byrne sent messages to the woman asking to get back together with her.

He sent more messages on January 17 threatening to destroy the woman’s life by posting images of her online.

The woman then decided to report the matter to the police.

The court also heard that at 3.30am on January 19, Byrne’s ex-partner was at an address in Largs when she heard a car horn beeping outside.

She looked out and saw Byrne sitting inside a vehicle and throwing something out the window before speeding off.

The item Byrne launched was a water bottle and the object struck another vehicle.

Police traced Byrne on the A78 travelling in excess of 100mph.

He was stopped between Monteforde Roundabout and Pennyburn Roundabout in Kilwinning after a pursuit.

When detained, Byrne was found to have 33 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, 11 micrograms over the drink-drive limit.

He was also found to have been driving without insurance.

Defending Byrne, solicitor Graeme Cunningham said that his client was self-employed with his own business and although he “is a man with a record”, there “have been no offences in the last 10 years”.

Sheriff Shirley Foran told Mr Cunningham: “I take on board what you say about the record but he is not a first offender.”

She added that she was “particularly concerned” about Byrne’s messages to his ex-partner.

She deferred sentence for reports, adding that the charge concerning the messages would be “the focus of my concern for the purpose of my report”.

Byrne was disqualified from driving and was granted bail.

He will appear again at the same court at a later date for sentencing.