Whanganui man in court after sending 200 texts to partner's friends and family

A Whanganui man pleaded guilty in court on Tuesday to sending 200 texts, some threatening, to his partner's friends and family.

A man sent 200 text messages to his partner's friends and family, the court heard, including threats to kill.

Rhys Carroll pleaded guilty in the Whanganui District Court on Tuesday for a charge of threatening grievous bodily harm and theft.

Police prosecutor Steven Butler told the court on October 8 the victim was leaving Carroll's home at the urging of her daughters.

As she attempted to leave, Carroll grabbed her phone off her and refused to return it.

Carroll then looked through the phone's contents and became enraged.

Over the next few hours, Carroll sent over 200 text messages to the victim's friends and family including her daughters, knowing that the victim would read them.

In the messages Carroll threatened to kill the victim, at one point saying he would slit her throat.

Carroll later told police that he would not have carried out the threats. The court was told the defendant and victim had a 10-year relationship.

Judge Philip Crayton ordered Carroll not to make contact with the victim and participate in restorative justice on March 17.