A FORMER bodybuilder who sent abusive phone calls and text messages to his ex- girlfriend has said he was on steroids at the time and this affected his behaviour during the "fairly messy" break-up of their relationship.

Conor McMahon (19) admitted that he breached a protection order when he broke into his ex-girlfriend's apartment in Lucan.

messy

The scaffolder also admitted that he put his ex-girlfriend in fear by sending her abusive phone calls and text messages. However, he said the break-up of their relationship was "fairly messy" and it was a "very emotional time" for him.

McMahon pleaded guilty at Blanchardstown District Court to contravening a protection order at Rosse Court Grove, Balgaddy Road, Lucan on various dates between September 3 and September 5 last. The protection order was only granted at the District Court on September 3.

Sergeant John O'Donovan said that McMahon kept a watch at the property on Ballgaddy Road and broke into it on various occasions between September 3 and September 5.

He also sent threatening texts to his ex-girlfriend, with whom he had a relationship for two years.

The court heard that Mc-Mahon believed he and his ex-girlfriend had a joint interest in the property. The defendant thought both their names were on the lease and the bills were, and are still, in his name.

Defence lawyer said that when McMahon's relationship began to deteriorate he started going to the gym more often and developed an interest in bodybuilding. He took steroids for a while, and this had an adverse affect on him.

The court heard that Mc-Mahon's brother died shortly after this incident, and the defendant and his family have been through a traumatic time in the last few months.

McMahon, who has no previous convictions, acknowledged that he behaved badly, but said the break-up of his relationship was "fairly messy" and being on steroids did not help his situation.

positive

A defence lawyer said Mc-Mahon, of Shancastle Close, Clondalkin and Kilpatrick, Kildangan, Co Kildare, no longer took steroids and had given up bodybuilding. He is working as a scaffolder, has a more "positive outlook" and his life is "back on track".

Judge Patrick McMahon said the incident "only happened a little over a month ago". The judge said that if McMahon donates €300 to the charity Goal he would apply the Probation Act.

- Eimear Cotter