An East Lancs man sent his ex-partner threatening messages in a fit of temper, a court was told. 

Blackburn magistrates heard that when he calmed down Oliver Taylor took his phone to the police station and showed officers the messages which put him in breach of a restraining order.

But the intended recipient was totally unaware of the messages because she had blocked Taylor.

Taylor, 20, of Manchester Road, Haslingden, pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order.

He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

Susheela Regala, prosecuting, said the restraining order was made in May for two years.

“He sent his ex-partner messages in which he said he would stab her and smash the windows of her house,” said Miss Regala.

“He also made threats towards her new partner.”

Miss Regala said the victim felt scared because she had children to protect.

“She feels vulnerable and frustrated that he is continuing to harass her,” said Miss Regala.

“She says she just wants to get on with her life.”

Mark Williams, defending, said if his client had not gone to the police no one would have been aware of the messages.

“He became upset when a memory photo of his child came up on his phone and he sent these messages,” said Mr Williams.

“When he calmed down he thought about it, realised he shouldn’t have done it and took his phone to the police station and showed them what he had sent.”

Mr Williams said the police showed the messages to the victim who was not aware of them and would not have seen them because she had blocked the defendant.