Threats land man in court

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Friday how Jonathan Slater, 34, of Houfton Road, Bolsover, sent insulting messages to his father’s partner including sexual threats and death threats.

Prosecuting solicitor Ian Shaw said: “The complainant is the partner of Mr Slater’s father and she said there have been difficulties with the defendant.

“Things had come to a head because on Mr Slater’s account there has been a lack of contact with his father because he has taken the view that his dad owes him money.

“What he has resorted to is sending messages on Facebook to the complainant which are quite frankly vile and have caused great upset. The messages make reference to raping and committing violence to her and that she should commit suicide and they are not words that anyone should use.”

Mr Shaw explained the messages include threats that any failure to return the money would result in raping and the chopping off of his father’s partner’s head. They also include comments about the kidnapping of a relative of the complainant and urinating on the grave of relatives of hers.

Slater, who has previous convictions for threats and criminal damage, pleaded guilty, that at Matlock and elsewhere in November, he caused his father’s partner to fear violence would be caused against her by the sending of offensive Facebook messages.

Defence solicitor Julie Page said Slater only began offending after the breakdown of his relationship with his father over claims that a considerable sum of money was owed to him.

Ms Page added that other messages were simply derogatory or offensive.

Magistrates committed the case to Derby Crown Court for sentencing on May 30.