A LORRY driver ended up in court for posting abusive messages about his ex-partner on his Facebook page after she asked for more child maintenance support.

David Michael Jones, of Sheppard Street, Brymbo, was fined £265 by magistrates in Wrexham, with costs of £100 after pleading guilty to the offences.

The 40-year-old admitted posting comments about Lindsey Struthers, which were of an ‘indecent and grossly offensive nature’ on his Facebook profile between February 4 and April 14 this year.

The incidents were triggered after Ms Struthers contacted the Child Support Agency (CSA) to deal with the issue of maintenance payments from Mr Jones, who already had an agreement in place.

Rob Blakemore, prosecuting, said: “The injured party and the defendant were together for eight years, but the relationship came to an end in December 2009.

“She took the children with her and relocated to another address. In February she contacted the CSA for child maintenance.

“She visited his Facebook page and noted he had posted various critical comments in relation to child support and talked about her in derogatory terms.”

Justine McVitie, defending, said: “He had been with the complainant for a number of years and it is fair to say the breakdown was far from amicable.

“They did make financial arrangements and he was paying £220 a month towards maintenance for the children.

“He felt aggrieved he would have to pay money as he was already making payments. He felt there was no need to go down the Child Support Agency route.

“He accepts he posted messages which, with hindsight, he shouldn’t have posted.

“She has never been a friend with him on Facebook but she may have seen his page through a mutual friend.

“The comments were not sent directly to the complainant, but they were there for all to see. He admits he should not have vented his anger in such a manner.”

Mr Jones’ new partner, Gemma Louise Dolan, 24, of Penrhyn Drive, Gwersyllt, pleaded not guilty to a similar offence against Ms Struthers.

She was bailed to appear before magistrates again on June 2, for a pre-trial hearing and then June 17.