A MAN has appeared in court for sending abusive text messages to a widow whose husband died following an alleged street attack in Richmond earlier this year.

Paul Wilkinson, 51, of Pembury Mews, Brompton-on-Swale, appeared at Northallerton Magistrates' Court yesterday (Friday, June 19) and admitted to sending two abusive text messages to Sarah Jackson on April 27 and June 8.

The court heard that Mr Wilkinson and Mrs Jackson had once been in a relationship and had known each other since 2008 when he was a regular customer at a pub where she worked as a barmaid.

The relationship lasted four to five months.

Mrs Jackson’s husband, Andrew, was allegedly assaulted outside the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, on April 25 and died two days later in James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, from serious head injuries.

Michael Hammond, prosecuting, said Mr Wilkinson admitted sending the messages, and said he realised it was wrong – but said he felt sorry for her husband and was angry about the circumstances of his death.

Mr Hammond said: “On April 27 Sarah Jackson received an abusive text message from Mr Wilkinson, and she received another on the day of her husband’s funeral on June 8, saying ‘Are you happy now you evil cow?’”

He added: “Mrs Jackson said she tried to end the relationship before August 2010 but he became abusive towards her, and she had called the police before.

“In September 2010 he was given a harassment warning in respect to Mrs Jackson, and in 2012 Mr Wilkinson had a confrontation with her husband, Andrew Jackson.”

The court heard that Mrs Jackson wanted a restraining order against Mr Wilkinson and he has been ordered not to contact her.

He was released on bail until July 10 and will return to Northallerton Magistrates' Court for sentencing after the probation service has prepared a report.

*Cohnor James Coleman, 24, of Brough with St Giles, Catterick Garrison, is charged with Mr Jackson's murder and has been remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court on July 23.