A CHARD man who sent malicious text messages to his ex-girlfriend demanding money and threatening to trash her home has been convicted of harassment following a trial.

Benjamin Colin Hughes, 21, had been in a relationship with the victim for just over a month when they split, and the court at Yeovil was told she was left shocked, distressed and in fear for her family’s safety following the threats.

Hughes, of Furnham Road, denied pursuing a course of conduct amounting to harassment at a previous hearing.

However, he failed to turn up at court to defend his case when the matter was put before District Judge David Miller.

Prosecutor Julyan Stephens said the complainant had been in a brief relationship with Hughes which she ended.

But weeks later she contacted the police to say she had received a number of text messages from him.

Mr Stephens added: “The messages caused her to fear for her safety and also made her become distressed and concerned at the possible future actions of the defendant.”

After his victim contacted police, Hughes was arrested and admitted sending the text messages.

The victim said Hughes continually pestered her to get back with him after she dumped him and she had responded to a few texts but none on the day in question.

“After receiving the messages I was shocked, devastated and worried for my life and my children’s lives and I was very emotional and upset but thankfully he did not come round,” she said.

In finding Hughes guilty of the offence in his absence, District Judge Miller said the defendant had voluntarily absented himself from the trial and waived his right to be present.

He said: “The tone of the texts was threatening, saying that all hell would break loose and then threatening to smash up her house.

“It is quite clear they were sent from the defendant’s phone and he admitted to the police that they were sent.

“The only issue he raised was that the complainant would not have been harassed by his actions.

“However I am satisfied that because of the content of the messages sent, this amounted to the harassment of the victim and the defendant must have known, or ought to have known, that they amounted to harassment.”

He issued a warrant for Hughes’ arrest when he will be brought before the court at Yeovil to be sentenced at a future date.