A SELF-EMPLOYED builder has escaped with a conditional discharge after sending a threatening text message to his victim.

Ian Brown, aged 45, of Orcop, admitted sending it on April 30 when he appeared at Hereford Magistrates Court. 

Prosecuting solicitor, Mark Hambling said there were a number of messages on the victim's phone that were attributed to Brown which were not particularly pleasant. 

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This, Mr Hambling said, included threats to kill both herself and her. He added that the victim's daughter also received a Facebook message, which was the reason why she contacted the police. 

"She struggles to sleep and is living in fear," said Mr Hambling.

In defence, Chris Reid said the charge specifies that it was just one text message.

"He said he was upset and drunk and shouldn't have done it," said Mr Reid.

"He did it to get her attention. There is no contact between the parties."

Magistrates handed Brown a conditional discharge for two years. However, he was given a two-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim and visiting her home address.