A Carlisle man who made threats during a tirade of verbal abuse in voicemails left for his ex-partner has been spared an immediate prison sentence.
Wayne McDonald, 30, and the woman had been in a two-year relationship which ended on less-than-good terms in April, the city’s crown court was told today.
McDonald initially made a threat over the phone to damage her car having made a flurry of calls. He then left three voicemails containing deeply personal abuse and threats.
“I’m coming for you and I’m going to destroy you,” McDonald had said in one message.
“You better sleep with one eye open,” he said in a second voicemail.
And in a third message, McDonald added: “I’ve got two days to cause wreckage before I go to prison.”
The woman had retracted a statement she initially gave police, insisting that events were true but also that she was both worried about retribution and in fear for herself and family.
McDonald admitted putting the woman in fear of violence through harassment. The court heard he had a past conviction for a domestic matter which dated back to 2017 and involved a previous partner, and also that he had alcohol and mental health difficulties.
Judge Nicholas Barker heard McDonald, of Harris Crescent, Carlisle, had served the equivalent of a five-month jail term while on remand in custody.
The judge suspended a nine-month custodial sentence for two years, concluding there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
McDonald must complete rehabilitation work, a “building better relationships” course, 150 hours’ community service and a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement.
A four-year restraining order was also imposed.
