Telford man threatened to kill ex-girlfriend
A man who told his ex-partner that she was a "dead woman" in a voicemail when she ended their relationship has been ordered to pay £370.
David Tolley, 46, also told the victim that she would be "history" when he got hold of her and swore, Telford Magistrates Court was told.
He left her two voicemails and sent a WhatsApp message after they split up on June 26.
Tolley admitted three charges of sending by means of a public electronic communications network a message that was grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene, offensive, or menacing character.
Adam Warner, prosecuting, told the court that the victim had written a letter to the court explaining that they had been together for 11 months when they met in a pub to discuss the state of their relationship.
He said that the defendant was told that the relationship was definitely over by the victim.
Mr Warner told the court the messages were left the same evening within a 90-minute period.
He added that the victim was left feeling fearful when she received them.
Mr Warner said: "He admitted sending the messages. He further admitted that he suffered from depression and regrets leaving the messages and he broke down in tears when he was being interviewed by the police.
"He agreed that the last few months had been difficult and there had been lots of arguments."
He added that the victim had asked the court for leniency in dealing with Tolley, a father-of-three, of Cadman Court, Lawley, Telford.
Jonathan Mason, defending, said: "This incident occurred at a time of extreme anxiety for him. He was deeply upset by the upset he caused to her."
He told the court that Tolley had mental health issues and was getting help to tackle them.
District Judge Nigel Cadbury sentenced him to a nine-month community order.
He also fined him £150 and he will pay £135 costs and an £85 victims' surcharge.
