Daniel Lee, a 41-year-old former driving instructor from North Shields, used his son's iPad to send abusive messages to his ex-wife after their relationship ended. He pleaded guilty to harassment at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
Campaign of harassment
The couple, who were together for 24 years and married for 17, separated in August 2022. Bushra Begum, prosecuting, told the court that after initially trying to stay in contact, the victim had to contact police when Lee began sending abusive messages.
On one occasion, Lee sent messages to their son's iPad as a way to reach her. “He continued to direct abusive messages towards her,” Ms Begum said. “He used contact with their son as a means of sending those messages to her.” The messages included his vehicle registration plate, causing the victim distress that something might happen.
Multiple Facebook accounts
Lee also used several Facebook accounts to send “similar messages of an abusive nature” to his ex-wife. “We have pages and pages of messages directed at the injured party,” Ms Begum added, noting that he also sent voice messages with the same abusive tone.
In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “I want to be left alone by Daniel. I feel like he is not going to leave me alone, despite my lack of response.”
Court proceedings
Lee, who repeatedly interrupted magistrates and solicitors during the hearing, pleaded guilty to harassment between October 1, 2025 and February 12, 2026. In mitigation, the court heard that Lee was heartbroken by the separation and still loved his ex-wife. He was reportedly receiving help from the NHS for binge drinking.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report from the probation service, and Lee will be sentenced next month.
