Death threat caretaker sentenced
A SCHOOL caretaker who harassed and threatened to kill his former partner was yesterday given a suspended sentence and ordered to stay away from her.Andrew Smith, 42, of West Avenue, Gorleston, admitted one count under the protection from harassment act when he appeared at Norwich Crown Court.
A SCHOOL caretaker who harassed and threatened to kill his former partner was yesterday given a suspended sentence and ordered to stay away from her.
Andrew Smith, 42, of West Avenue, Gorleston, admitted one count under the protection from harassment act when he appeared at Norwich Crown Court.
Prosecutor Jude Durr told the court that Smith and his partner had split up after he attacked her in a number of confrontations in February.
Over seven days he sent her 35 text messages attempting to persuade her to go back to him.
These included one which read: “This is your fault and you are going to die.”
He also sent her messages threatening to harm himself if she did not contact him.
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Ruth Jones, in mitigation, said that although there had been a small number of threatening messages, most had been “pitiful and desperate”.
She said that as a result of his conviction he will no longer be able to work in schools.
Recorder Guy Ayers imposed a three-month sentence suspended for two years and told Smith that he must complete a domestic violence course.
Smith will also be subject to a five-year restraining order.
Mr Ayers told Smith: “Your behaviour was totally and utterly unacceptable. Most people who appear before this court after striking a woman can expect to go to prison.”
