Court hears Newtownabbey man sent 'chilling Death Contract' to his then partner
A judge said it was "chilling" that a man sent a "so-called 'Death Contract'" to his then partner.
District Judge Nigel Broderick was speaking at Ballymena Magistrates Court where Rhys Richardson (30), of Mossley Crescent, Newtownabbey, was sentenced after pleading guilty to 'domestic abuse'.
A prosecutor said the defendant had sent his partner a message "which included a 'Death Contract'." It was a text message saying "the only way the relationship will finish is by the death of one of the partners".
The defendant signed it and asked his partner to sign it which she refused, the prosecutor said.
Judge Broderick read details of what was entitled 'DEATH ROW CONTRACT!!!' which he said was in block capitals with three exclamation marks.
It said: 'This contract states that you understand all of the terms, conditions and requirements. This contract also means that you CANNOT leave this relationship. The only way out is DEATH. With signing this contract you are making a promise. This a life sentence.'
The prosecutor said the woman was concerned about the defendant's "mental health".
A defence barrister said the 'Death Contract' had been "harrowing" but the defendant had displayed remorse and regret.
Judge Broderick told Richardson: "Your behaviour was deplorable. I have read that so-called 'Death Contract' and it is chilling to send that message to anybody."
He said the defendant's former partner had been "traumatised" by the defendant's behaviour”.
He handed down an Enhanced Combination Order of 18 months Probation and 100 hours of Community Service.
A five-year Restraining Order was also put in place and the defendant must not develop any intimate relationship without advising his Probation officer.