A 19-year-old Masterton man who threatened to cut off his ex-girlfriend's head during a series of abusive text messages has been sentenced to six months' supervision.
Christopher William Peachey pleaded guilty to threatening grievous bodily harm, when he appeared in Masterton District Court on June 20.
Prosecuting, Sergeant Jodie Lawrencesaid that between May 10 and 11, Peachey sent a number of text messages to his former partner. About 50 texts were sent during a period of several hours. A large number of the text messages referred to the victim in a derogatory manner and contained abusive language.
Peachey told his ex-girlfriend she was lucky he did not know where she lived and made a comment about hiding her, and their 11-month-old son, in the Rimutakas.
He continued with the abusive texts, saying he would be over that night and would cut her head off.
He referred several times to the victim being dead, said he would have her bleeding on their son before police arrived, and that he would stitch their son into her stomach.
In court yesterday, defence lawyer Frank Minehan said Peachey has been attending a stopping violence course and would be willing to offer an emotional harm payment to the victim.
Mr Minehan said Peachey is employed and living with his parents, who are supportive of him.
Judge Jill Moss said she was unsure whether Peachey had worked out that his plan to try and hold his former partner in the relationship, by making her fearful, was "a really dumb thing".
"You don't want to teach your baby that this is the way to live your life. It's all about what the future for your baby looks like," Judge Moss said.
Judge Moss ordered Peachey pay the victim an emotional harm reparation of $300 and attend any programmes directed by probation.
On a charge of wilful damage to the victim's car Peachey was convicted and discharged.