A MUM who posted threats and abuse on Facebook has been slapped with an Asbo stopping her from harassing people on social networking sites.
Nikola Graham, From Haddington in East Lothian, was given the Asbo by a court after she terrorised another resident of the town.
The 33-year-old also sent abusive text messages, but she will face arrest and possibly jail if she makes any threats ‘verbally, in writing or electronically.’
Graham was investigated by East Lothian Council’s antisocial behaviour team, after complaints a string of complaints dating back to July 2010 were made about her.
A dossier of her behaviour was built up by the council and police, which allowed the Asbo to be granted at Haddington Sheriff Court.
A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “She is well-known as a troublemaker. Most people like me try to steer clear of her.
“I’m not surpised she got an ASBO because she’s always causing bother.”
Ludovic Broun-Lindsay, Conservative councillor for Haddington and Lammermuir, said: “Such messages are the equivalent of a poison pen letter but much more instant.
“These orders are not given out easily. An established pattern of behaviour has to be built up.”
The Asbo, which lasts for three years, bans her from physically assaulting anyone, shouting, swearing or making excessive noise in her home.
Threatening
A council spokeswoman said: “This clearly shows that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in East Lothian.
“I hope this will send a clear message to Ms Graham that she must change her behaviour.”
Lothian and Borders Police said no criminal charges had been made over the incidents but said they would take “robust action” would be taken against “threatening behaviour online.”
A police spokeswoman said: “We would urge anyone who observes such [threatening] behaviour to come forward and report the matter.”
Graham refused to comment on the matter at her home in Haddington’s Glebe Terrace yesterday.
Her case is believed to be the first time in the Lothians region an Asbo has banned someone for abuse on social networking sites.
Lothian and Borders Police recorded almost 90 crimes involving Facebook in the last two years, including 12 threats and 41 cases of offensive communication.
There were 55 offences recorded in 2011, compared to 34 in 2010.
