A DAD who sent a vile Facebook message to a primary school headteacher has been hit with a restraining order in court.

David Lawrence, 43, Oakwood Avenue, of West Mersea, left an abusive message on the social media site in reply to a post by Walton Primary School.

The post was an appeal to parents to be respectful of teachers at the school.

On May 10 Lawrence replied to the message, saying: “Child abusers, paedophiles, you get what you deserve.”

It was reported to Essex Police and Lawrence was arrested.

He was later charged with sending a grossly offensive message directed at headteacher Suzie Bliss.

Miss Bliss said: “The man has sent us some angry messages.

“I think we have just become a target for his venting, but it was a really horrible, vile message and it was something that had to be taken very seriously.”

Lawrence admitted the charge when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on June 16.

He was given a restraining order banning him from posting on the Walton Primary Facebook page, attending the school or contacting Miss Bliss.

He was also given a community order, 80 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation days.

He must also pay costs and a victim surcharge.

Lawrence previously appeared in court earlier this year after sending abusive messages to the school, including a threat to kill Miss Bliss.

The headteacher added: “We actually already had a restraining order in place after the last incident, after we followed it up from our own legal side.

“Unfortunately it’s not the first time it has happened.

“We know it is probably coming from his frustration but I just hope this court order is heeded and has the desired effect.

“The police have really supported us since we reported this latest incident.

“They came straight away and have kept me updated through the process.

“In this sort of case you hope any abuse and threat is restricted to social media, but you can never be sure and it is better to be safe than sorry and take it very seriously.

“I’m upset at the reaction, or lack of reaction, from Facebook.

“The post was reported to them too, but they did not deem it offensive somehow.

“This was a very unfortunate incident and hopefully it is behind us now.”