South Tyneside dad sent threatening photo on WhatsApp to ex showing him holding an axe

A dad threatened his ex-partner’s new boyfriend by sending her an image of him holding an axe with the words: “Don’t say I haven’t warned him.”
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Terence Freel, 35, of Stothard Street, Jarrow, did so in a WhatsApp message on the birthday of the warring couple’s daughter after contact with the youngster was ended.

And when police paid him a visit after the offence was reported, Freel tussled with an officer which led to his arrest, a court heard.

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When nabbed and searched, he was also found in possession of an amount of illegal Class B drug amphetamine.

South Tyneside Law Courts.  Picture by FRANK REID. South Tyneside Law Courts.  Picture by FRANK REID.
South Tyneside Law Courts. Picture by FRANK REID.

Freel’s case was adjourned for reports after he pleaded guilty to a string of offences at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Leanne Duffy told the court: “The victim is Mr Freel’s ex-partner. They have been separated for around six years and have a daughter together.

“He sent a threatening message of him holding an axe and saying, ‘Don’t say I haven’t warned him’.

“Police were called and there was also a scuffle.”

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Kevin Smallcombe, defending, said: “There were immediate admissions to sending a message, which was silly.

“There is a scuffle with the police, there was some toing and froing, and a small amount of amphetamine is found.

“His saying, ‘Don’t say I haven’t warned him’ is aimed at his ex-partner’s new partner. It was his daughter’s birthday.”

Freel pleaded guilty to sending the woman a message that was indecent or grossly offensive, assaulting an emergency worker by beating, and possessing amphetamine.

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District Judge Kathryn Meek adjourned the case for reports and warned the defendant all sentencing options were open.

However she told the court it was unlikely the hearing would end with Freel receiving a custodial sentence.

She granted him bail on condition he does not enter Reubens Avenue, South Shields, and does not contact his ex-partner except via a third party for child contact.

And she told Freel he must not remain on any premises at which he finds himself and the woman to be present.

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He was told he must return to the same court for sentencing on Monday, February 8.

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