A CHARD man who sent his ex-girlfriend threatening text messages in a row over a broken necklace has been sentenced to a community order by the courts.

Benjamin Colin Hughes messaged the victim saying that if she didn’t come up with the cash then 'all hell would break loose' and he would come round and smash her house up.

When he appeared before District Judge David Taylor, sitting at Yeovil, the court was told that the defendant had been drinking when he became increasingly annoyed and anxious and sent the texts.

The district judge also heard that Hughes had problems with his mental health, was highly strung and was taking medication for his issues, as well as for medical problems.

Hughes, 21, of Furnham Road, pleaded not guilty to pursuing a course of conduct amounting to the harassment of Dawn Wright on February 23 in that he sent her text messages in which he threatened to cause damage to her home.

However, he was convicted in his absence by Somerset Magistrates after he failed to turn up on the day of the trial.

Prosecutor Julyan Stephens said that the couple had been in a brief relationship for about three weeks when it ended.

“During that time Hughes gave his partner’s friend a lift in his car and during the journey his gold necklace left to him by his grandfather was broken by the friend’s daughter,” he said.

“There was an argument about who should repair the necklace which was about £18 and Miss Wright did not feel she was responsible.

“However the defendant’s reaction was to send her the text messages." saying that if she didn’t have the money then all hell would break loose and he would go and smash up her house.”

When Hughes was arrested and interviewed by police he admitted sending the texts but said he had not carried them out.

In a victim impact statement read to the court the victim said she did not feel safe to be in her own home since the incident.

She said: “I cannot face going out as I feel concerned and don’t feel confident going out into crowded places.

“I am consistently checking who is behind me. I used to be very happy but now I am not and t has turned my life upside down.”

Probation officer Mo Lawton said that Hughes had stayed up drinking the night before and then began drinking again just before sending the messages.

“He was frustrated at the time but realised his actions were inappropriate,” she said.

“He has problems with his mental health and if he does not take his medication then gets too highly strung.

“He struggles to cope with his emotions and says he does not know how to deal with life and says he wants to stop offending and his behaviour was childish and stupid.”

Defending solicitor Sam Morton said there had been a number of occasions recently when Hughes had been feeling very low and his GP had now referred him to the mental health services for assistance.

In sentencing Hughes to a 12 month community order with a 30 day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement the district judge said the texts had contained 'extremely frightening and threatening words'.

He also ordered the defendant to pay £100 compensation to Dawn Wright, a £60 victim surcharge and £40 costs.

He also made an 18 month restraining order during which time Hughes must not contact Miss Wright directly or indirectly or via any social media and must not go to her address in Chard.