Jealous ex-boyfriend sent threatening hammer video after violent crime spree

JEALOUS EX-BOYFRIEND SENT THREATENING HAMMER VIDEO AFTER VIOLENT CRIME SPREE

Stuart McKinley, aged 27, was involved in a concerning incident where he sent a menacing video message to his former partner’s friend, threatening violence with a hammer against anyone who had harmed her.

According to court reports, McKinley also made numerous abusive phone calls, messages, and videos to his ex-girlfriend and her friend on April 24, 2021, in an attempt to contact them.

His behavior escalated after his former partner ignored his messages and blocked his number.

The court heard that he wanted to know her location and later sent a video explicitly stating, "I’m in my car.

I swear to anyone that has harmed her a hammer will go right over their skull.

Where are you?" The same night, McKinley caused destruction at two properties by striking doors with a hammer, kicking a door and mirror, and damaging a vehicle by smashing a window and puncturing a tyre.

His actions were detailed by the prosecutor as part of an attempt to intimidate and threaten the people involved.

His defense argued that McKinley was "jealous and angry" after discovering his ex was out with friends and claimed he "lost it that night." The sheriff described his conduct as "very concerning" and emphasized the seriousness of the crimes.

Ultimately, McKinley was sentenced to a community payback order with a supervision requirement of one year and 140 hours of unpaid work.