Michael John Shields Armstrong, 58, maintained his innocence in the Dunedin District Court last week, despite being found guilty of what a judge called "bizarre" offending under the harmful digital communications act.
"The case against you was, bluntly, overwhelming ... you show no insight into your offending. No remorse or guilt. There is nothing mitigating here and the report says nothing to commend you," Judge David Robinson said.
"I struggle to accept anything you say."
Armstrong took out his "jealous frustration" on a man he had never met, whom his ex-partner once worked alongside.
The defendant obtained the victim’s number by accessing the woman’s phone — launching a campaign of hateful vitriol against the man.
Between May 22 and July 26, 2021, Armstrong sent a total of 18 text messages to the man accusing him of indecent acts.
"You sick deranged bastard ... you followed a young boy into the cubical. After attempting to touch him the boy screamed and ran away. His mother witnessed you leaving quickly and driving off at speed. You are a sick pervert," one said.
"Can’t wait to meet your wife and let her no what a deranged abusing sack of s... you are. See you soon," said another.
Armstrong made threats against the victim’s family, home, property and career — kick-starting a workplace investigation into the victim’s credibility that derailed his life.
"Pamphlets with your picture and name will be distributed," the defendant wrote.
"Confirmation you’ve interfered with another young boy. This time in Dunedin. His father is a gangmember. Bugga. Silly move." (sic)
The victim was forced to take extensive time off work due to chronic stress and was questioned by close friends about the allegations.
"I was proving to colleagues, HR, friends, family that I am not a raging paedophile.
"I had a friend of 30 years asking why police haven’t searched my phone," the man said.
The victim was not charged with any crime and there were no complaints to police about his conduct.
He was supported in court by his wife and the pair were visibly upset.
"It is conceivable that my marriage would have ended if we didn’t have the bond we have."
The victim said there could be no forgiveness for the man, who still maintained his innocence despite clear evidence he was behind the maintained harassment.
"I cannot understand how a rational mind can engage in such behaviour," Judge David Robinson said.
During the trial, the defendant even blamed his partner for the offending which was revealed to be a baseless accusation.
"I found her to be an honest, truthful and reliable witness," the judge said.
Speaking to the ODT, the victim said he believed the man to be a sociopath after learning more about his background.
"I feel sorry for the man he couldn’t be. He hides. His whole thing is about hiding in the shadows.
"We need to put him away... He’s put me through hell.
"He should be removed from society. He needs the light."
Judge Robinson sentenced Armstrong to nine months’ imprisonment.
"In my view a sentence of imprisonment is thoroughly deserved," he said.
— Erin Cox, PIJF court reporter
