AN “ISOLATED” man sent threatening messages as a plea for help, a court has heard.

Marc Joseph Brewster, 33, of Arran Avenue, Hereford, admitted the offence when he appeared before magistrates on January 8.

Lesley Ashton, prosecuting, said police were called after Brewster sent messages of a threatening nature concerning a former girlfriend to his sister and mother on August 5.

The court heard that Brewster had earlier had a meeting with social services, which he felt had gone badly, before sending a series of messages.

In one, he said he was going to get drunk and mess his life up, while in another he said he wanted an address for his ex-girlfriend and her new partner as soon as possible.

In further messages, he said he would burn down her house, while another read: “Tell that little slag mate of yours if she says anything I will rip her throat out.”

A 999 call was made after a picture was sent of a large kitchen knife placed on the floor, accompanied by the message: “On the way there”.

Police found Brewster at his home, where he showed them the knife he had taken a picture of.

In a statement made to police, Brewster said his actions had been a cry for help after a very distressing meeting with social services, and had no intention of harming or scaring his ex-girlfriend or anyone else.

Chris Read, for Brewster, said while the messages could be read as threatening, they had not been sent to the person to whom the perceived threat was being made.

“As he told police, he was going through a difficult period in his life and his relationship had broken down,” Mr Read said.

“He went home, had a drink, and felt very isolated. It was against that background that he sent those messages.

“He had hoped someone would come to see him and did not intend to carry out these threats.”

Brewster was handed a two--year restraining order and fined £250. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £32 victim surcharge.