Influenced By An ‘extreme’ Christian Group, Welshman Lands In Prison

A WELSH court was told that a 46-year-old man who persistently harassed his ex-wife on social media had fallen under the spell of an unnamed “extreme” American Christian group and was now seeking to connect with less barmy version of the religion.

According to Wales Online, “deeply spiritual” Jason Evans, above, who was handed a 12-month prison sentence at Swansea Crown Court this week, began his campaign of harassment by using biblical references about marriage, divorce, and adultery.

After he began posting messages on Facebook, referring to his “convent wife” and “Godly wife”, Evans was handed a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting his former wife or writing things about her online.

But this did not deter him from posting a series of messages on Facebook following the end of the couples 17-year relationship.

Defence attorney Matt Murphy said the court may be concerned about the biblical nature of references the defendant had been posting. He said his client was “deeply spiritual man” and, like other people who are deeply religious or who have strong views or beliefs, he was susceptible to ideas he was exposed to on social media.

He said Evans had begun following an “extreme Christian group” based in America whose members had:

Given him guidance in terms of their beliefs on marriage and divorce.

Hannah George, prosecuting, said that during May, June and July this year Evans “persistently” breached the terms of his restraining order by posting messages on Facebook which contained biblical references.

She said it was clear to his ex-wife that Evans had been checking her social media updates as many of his comments appeared to be in response to what she was saying, especially when she posted about her relationship with her new partner.

At the time Evans was subject to two suspended prison sentences for previous breaches of restraining orders. These sentences had been imposed for numerous breaches which included a video showing him crying and professing his love for his ex. It featured a guitar decorated with biblical quotes.

In an impact statement Evans’ ex-wife said she thought his behaviour was “becoming even more bizarre and delusional”, and it had left her feeling anxious.

Evans had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching a restraining order when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.

Murphy said while the defendant has “deep-seated emotional ties to the complainant” he realised his involvement with the conservative US group and the way it interpreted passages from the Bible had put him at jeopardy of a lengthy custodial sentence, and he wished to return to:

A more mainstream version of his faith.

Juddge Wayne Beard sentenced Evans to ten months in prison. He also activated two months of the previously-imposed suspended sentences to run consecutively with the ten months making an overall sentence of 12 months.

Evans will serve up to half that period in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community.