A POET landed in the dock after sending sexual text messages to a woman.
John Mackie, 62, usually writes on the subject of love at his home in Banff.
But his ideas of romance turned sour when he sent a string of sexual text messages to a woman.
Instead the poet, who worked as a lyricist at The Beatles’ company, Apple Music, and with artists such as David Bowie, was accused of distressing the woman.
He had also stolen clothes and underwear from a washing line outside the woman’s home days before the offence.
Mackie, of 18 Duncan Street, Banff, previously admitted breaching the Communications Act when he appeared at Banff Sheriff Court in January.
At the earlier hearing, depute fiscal John Richardson said: “A text from the complainer said she did not want any contact with the accused.
“The complainer said she received a text making reference to sexual activities between the parties.”
The court heard poet Mackie had written a personal letter to the sheriff to explain his position over the sexual text message case.
The sheriff accused the poet of “romanticising” the offences relating to the sexual text messages.
He told the court he had previously deferred sentence on Mackie for good behaviour and had taken the decision to impose a fine of £240.
Mackie was previously fined £140 at Peterhead Sheriff Court for stealing the clothes.
The conviction cost the poet his position as treasurer of the Banff and Buchan Arts Forum.
Poet Mackie refused to comment after the case.