The stepson of celebrity hair stylist Daniel Galvin Jnr today admitted hacking into his step father's Instagram account to post a message designed to embarrass him.
Raphael Yadgaroff, 31, was reacting to being called in for questioning by police about an assault on Mr Galvin, 52, in June.
South Worcestershire magistrates heard that the post falsely claimed to be from the hair stylist, whose clients include Johnny Depp and Kylie Minogue, and went into details about his domestic difficulties.
Yadgaroff claimed it was deleted after 10 minutes, but prosecutor Shawn Williams said the damage was already done and Mr Galvin had to field questions and instruct appropriate experts at a cost of £5,000 to ascertain his innocence in the matter.
In a plea bargain, the Crown agreed to drop the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Yagdaroff, the son of Mr Galvin's estranged wife, the ex model Suzanna Twigg.
Raphael Yadgaroff (left), 31, was reacting to being called in for questioning by police about an assault on Mr Galvin, 52, in June. Right: Suzanna Twigg
South Worcestershire magistrates heard that the post falsely claimed to be from the hair stylist (pictured), whose clients include Johnny Depp and Kylie Minogue, and went into details about his domestic difficulties
Daniel Galvin Jr is pictured with Amanda Cronin at the Amanda Caroline Skincare launch, Nobu Hotel Portman Square, London, this month
Mr Williams told the bench: 'The complainant Mr Galvin sustained serious and unpleasant injuries. Had there been a trial, medical evidence would have been put before the court about his fractured cheek bone and very unpleasant photographs shown depicting the injuries.
'This case has a family history and this was a continuation of the disharmony within the family.
'Mr Galvin has considered his position long and hard is now of the view that he does not want to litigate the issue.
'He believes it places down the first building block in healing the relationship between him and his stepson – maybe not tomorrow, not for some time to come but he hopes this can be achieved
