Man spared jail over text threats to ex
A bitter boyfriend bombarded his pregnant ex-girlfriend with sinister threats when she dumped him after finding out about his violent past.
Daniel Andrews sent his former girlfriend more than 50 texts in a two-and-a-half hour period last October, warned he would “scar her face” if she started seeing a new man and threatened her family.
Two weeks later, the 25-year-old threatened during a video call he would “kill her and her unborn child” and sent her a 47-second movie clip of himself brandishing a large kitchen knife, which he held to his own throat and threatened to use on police if she called them.
Andrews sent a photo of himself wearing a “Vendetta mask” to the pregnant victim’s mum, with a noose pictured in the background.
Prosecutor Neil Pallister told the court the 20-year- old victim had ended her eight-month relationship with Andrews, who has a criminal record which includes convictions for violence, when she found out he had a “violent past”.
The victim said the texts and calls left her terrified.
She told police in a victim statement: “I believe Daniel is capable of carrying out any threats he makes. I am in fear of him.”
The woman said she hoped Andrews would get the help he clearly needs.
The court heard when Andrews was arrested and taken to Southwick Police Station in Sunderland, he covered his cell in his own excrement, which resulted in a specialist cleaner being drafted in at a cost of £132.
Andrews, of Seafield Terrace, South Shields, admitted putting a person in fear of violence by harassment and causing criminal damage.
Mr Recorder Brown QC sentenced Andrews to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with a five-year restraining order to keep him away from the victim and her family.
The judge told Andrews, who had been in custody since November: “The messages you sent, in particular the video messages, must have been very, very frightening indeed.”
The judge warned Andrews: “Any future relationship must begin with full disclosure of your past.”
Glen Garland, mitigating, said Andrews spent his childhood in 46 different children’s homes and has a history of mental health issues.
He said Andrews started using cannabis while in a “downward spiral “after the break-up with the victim, which led to the “bizarre behaviour”.
The court heard Andrews has sought help during his time in custody.
“I believe Daniel is capable of carrying out any threats he makes” VICTIM STATEMENT