Newcastle man threatened to strangle ex-partner before smashing window

A Newcastle man threatened to strangle an ex-partner following the break down of their relationship, a court heard.

James Barron, 31, sent the message after his ex-partner split up with him and moved in with her mother. Newcastle Crown Court heard the woman had decided to end the relationship after it changed and the defendant became abusive.

The court was told in April the woman received a screenshot of a message Barron had sent to her friend. It said: "Tell [victim] I'm going to be at her mam's at 10 o'clock. I'm going to strangle the stupid c***."

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In a separate incident, the court heard that at around 4.30pm in the afternoon the woman was at her mum's house when she heard her shouting. Her mum yelled: "You are not getting in."

Jordan Parkinson, prosecuting, said the defendant was outside the address. "He picked up a stick and struck the window. He picked up a large rock, struck the window causing it to smash."

In a victim impact statement, the woman's mum said she was aware things were bad but added: "I didn't know it was this bad, that he wanted to kill my daughter."

The court heard Barron, of Wharrier Street, Newcastle, knew he was out of line and had shown remorse for his actions.

On sentencing, Judge Julie Clemitson said: "It must have been terrifying for [victim] she must have left when she did as she did not know what you were capable of."

She added: "You have left [victim] feeling unsafe and anxious."

Barron pleaded guilty to sending a threatening communication and criminal damage. He was given a 24-month community order and a restraining order was issued banning him from contacting the woman or her mother.