Threat to kill leads to judge's jail warning

Masterton man Jesse Lee Bennetts, 22, pleaded guilty in Masterton District Court to breaching a protection order.

A Masterton man who threatened to kill his former partner and her family had "flown off the handle", his lawyer told the court.

Appearing before Judge Tony Walsh recently, Jesse Lee Bennetts, 22, pleaded guilty to breach of a protection order.

Lawyer Ian Hard said it was a "non-violent" breach in which voices were raised as he tried to retrieve his bike after being invited by the victim to do so.

"He has flown off the handle."

Judge Walsh said what concerned him was the "intensity" and "anger" of the argument.

"He made threats to kill her. He said he wanted to kill her and her family," he said.

Bennetts was only sentenced last month to nine months' supervision and 60 hours' community work for previously assaulting his former partner and breach of the protection order, the court heard.

The victim was extremely troubled by the threats and continued to be frightened of him, the judge said.

Judge Walsh sentenced Bennetts to 80 hours' community work and warned him about any further breaches.

"What you must understand is that a protection order is a powerful one. You can go to prison for three years for breaching it. If you incur more breaches it is likely you will face a term of imprisonment. The victim wants nothing further to do with you ... you have been warned."