Chelmsford Man Agrees To Stay From Ex - By Going To Thailand

LOWELL - A Chelmsford man facing jail for allegedly violating his estranged wife's restraining order against him agreed to stay away from his ex - more than 8,600 miles away.

In Lowell District Court on Tuesday,the attorney for Clifford B. Bates, 52, of Chelmsford, explained that his client has been battling a substance-abuse issue. As a result, Bates plans to enter rehab in Thailand.

Bates was released on $1,000 cash bail after pleading not guilty to three counts of violation of a restraining order. Prosecutors allege Bates, a Chelmsford contractor, was arrested on Monday after he was allegedly seen by his former wife driving away from her home. She was heading home in response to an alert from her home security system.

In addition, prosecutors allege that Bates posted a series of "tirades'' on Facebook about his former wife.

Bates' attorney argued that his client denies he violated the restraining order because he was not driving near his former wife's home. Although the restraining order requires Bates have no contact with ex, his attorney argued there is no specific prohibition that he not post on Facebook.

While prosecutors sought $2,500 cash bail, Judge Daniel Crane agreed to $1,000 as long as Bates abide by the conditions of the restraining order and not leave the country. But Bates had plans to enter rehab in Thailand, his attorney said.

Crane responded, "There is no place (rehab) in the U.S. where he can go?'' Then Crane noted, "At least he won't violate (by contacting the victim) the restraining order in Thailand.''

Bates' next court date is April 25.