Telford man accused ex-wife of causing son's cancer, court told
A Telford man accused his ex-wife of taking drugs and provoking their son's cancer by allowing him to inject steroids, a court was told.
Damian Errol Haywood left a series of voicemail messages and intimidating phone calls over several days in December, Telford Magistrates Court heard.
Haywood, of Mercia Drive, Leegomery, admitted a charge of harassment without violence.
Prosecuting, Mrs Harminder Hayre said the victim had learned that her son had been diagnosed with cancer on December 8, 2014.
Haywood, her former husband, had initially left a message on her telephone telling her how sorry he was about the news and about the trouble he had caused their relationship, the court was told.
However, later in the month, his calls and message became angrier as he learned of changes to the family situation, said Mrs Hayre.
On December 16, Haywood left a message saying: "You have caused your son to have cancer by letting him inject steroids. You're an unfit mother and it's all your fault."
Mrs Hayre said the messages were not returned by the victim and calls went unanswered.
Mrs Hayre said that further messages went on to accuse the victim of spending money on drugs instead of buying Christmas presents and another stated: "I'm glad for everything I have done to you.
"I'm glad I cheated on you. I'm glad I have had a baby with someone else."
The court was told the defendant had no previous convictions.
Magistrates fined Haywood £250 and ordered him to pay £350 prosecution costs and a £25 victim surcharge.
He was also given a restraining order not to contact the victim directly or indirectly except through solicitors, or go to her address.
For Haywood, Mr John McMillan, said that while these cases were usually presented as one-sided, this was rarely the case.
"His principle concern was to get answers. He was being ignored and spoke in crude and upsetting terms," said Mr McMillan.
"He believes his eldest son was injecting himself with steroids. Whether that had anything to with him contracting cancer is irrelevant, it's not a desirable thing to be doing," Mr McMillan added.
Mr McMillan said that Haywood did not take drugs and thought that his former wife was taking cocaine, making a poor environment for their family.
