A woman was accused of sending Facebook messages from a fake account in order to obtain a non-molestation order.

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court yesterday, Bethany Cole, 22, of Haydon Court, pleaded not guilty to a single count of perverting the course of justice.

It is alleged she set up a Facebook profile in the name of another woman and used that account to send abusive messages to the woman’s former boyfriend in an effort to help the latter obtain a non-molestation order. The offences are said to have been committed in mid-June last year.

Cole was bailed for the trial on November 25 and given the usual warnings by Judge Peter Crabtree about the importance of attending the trial and keeping in contact with her lawyers.

Tony Bignall appeared for Cole. Tessa Hingston represented the Crown.

UPDATE: The prosecution offered no evidence at the trial and the judge declared Bethany Cole as not guilty