MAN BOMBARDED WOMAN WITH ABUSIVE, SATANIC MESSAGES: ‘I’LL DRINK YOUR BLOOD’
A man who harassed a woman with disturbing messages, including sexual, Satanic, and racist content, and even threatened to drink her blood, has been sentenced for his actions.William Askew, aged 28, had previously dated the woman briefly in 2013, but ten years later, he sent her 76 pages of abusive texts in violation of a restraining order that prohibited contact.
He made menacing threats towards her safety, declaring that he would find her and harm her, including sexual assault and murder, with comments like: "I'm deffo going to find you one day.
You can't escape.
I'm going to drink your blood.
You should know I'm insane." Askew appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on 28 July, pleading guilty to harassment and breaching the restraining order.
Prosecutor Emily Land detailed that Askew's communications had worsened over time, with messages that were increasingly violent and racist, along with 45 minutes of abusive videos and voicemails.
Among his threats, he said: "I'm going to cut your throat in front of your friends and your whole family.
I'm going to kill you in court.
I'll break your neck and every bone in your face.
You'll never be pretty again." The court heard that Askew also sent rap music via Instagram containing highly abusive lyrics, calling the woman names and making violent threats towards her and her family, accusing her of witchcraft, and warning he would find her one day.
Videos played in court captured Askew threatening to stab her, while others showed his attempt at rapping, during which he coughed and stammered, claiming: "Let me tell you, you're acting like a little rat flying around.
You haven't got the money that I've got.
Let's face it, you have never seen a pound." The woman explained that the ongoing harassment since 2013 had led to her suffering from anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping for more than two hours at a time.
Defense lawyer Paul Becker noted that despite his threats, Askew is a highly intelligent individual with a degree and aspirations for a master's qualification, but he has struggled with alcohol and diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.
He expressed that Askew intends to seek help, continue his education, and improve his social circle after his release.
Judge Tim Harrington addressed Askew directly, stating that the victim had been in a brief relationship with him a decade ago and he had become obsessed, engaging in continuous harassment and sending threatening messages that aimed to cause severe distress.
The judge noted that Askew's actions had significantly impacted her, prompting her to plan to leave the Merseyside area to escape him.
Consequently, Askew was sentenced to five years in prison for harassment and an additional two years for breaching his restraining order, with the sentences to run concurrently.
