Jack Ammoun: Katanning man avoids jail time, fined for string of ‘unsettling’ text messages

A Katanning man who sent a string of threatening text messages to a woman, including a “veiled death threat”, has been fined. Jack Ammoun appeared in Albany Magistrates Court on Thursday via video link from Albany Regional Prison charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence. Police prosecutor Sgt Dylan Fisher said the 69-year-old sent five threatening texts to a female relative over two months from January 24, 2020 to March 20, 2020. Sgt Fisher said the messages included a poem alluding to the victim’s death, photos of a person holding a rifle and of a voodoo doll with the words “thinking of you”. Sgt Fisher said the messages scared and disturbed the victim who felt they were a “veiled death threat” against her. She reported Ammoun’s conduct to police who arrested him at his Katanning home where they found his mobile phone. He was taken to Katanning police station but refused to be interviewed. On May 3, 2021, Ammoun failed to appear in court and was convicted under Section 55 of the Criminal Procedure Act (2004). Last Thursday, Ammoun told Magistrate Erin O’Donnell he had nothing to say in his own defence. Ms O’Donnell said the messages clearly left a mark on the victim. “I think the things you said were very unsettling, I’m sure they caused quite a lot of fear to be felt,” she said. Ms O’Donnell said the more serious matters Ammoun was facing in the Albany District Court stopped her from considering a term of imprisonment. She fined him $5000 with costs of $228.70.