NELSON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO HARASSMENT AFTER THREATENING EX-PARTNER AND HER NEW BOYFRIEND
A former soldier named Peter James Heaton, aged 38, from Castle Street in Nelson, was involved in harassing and threatening his former partner after she started a new relationship.The magistrates heard that when his ex-partner blocked his phone, Heaton sent threatening messages to one of her children, including messages that included threats to 'slaughter' her and her new partner.
Heaton pleaded guilty to two charges of harassment.
As part of his sentence, he was given a community order for 12 months, which included 20 days of rehabilitation, and a curfew from 10pm to 6am for 10 weeks.
Additionally, a restraining order was imposed, prohibiting him from having contact with his former partner and her new partner.
The court was informed that Heaton had a 16-year relationship with the victim, ending in January 2018.
The victim described how Heaton's threats escalated, including him turning up at her house on Father's Day and shouting at her to tell her boyfriend he would kill him.
Heaton's defense argued that there had been no violence in the relationship but acknowledged his difficulty with not seeing his children regularly and issues with alcohol.
The court noted that Heaton's actions caused significant alarm and distress, though it was believed he would not carry out the threats.
