AN UNEMPLOYED barber threatened his ex-girlfriend and suggested he would slit her new partner’s throat in a row over access to their daughter.

Antony Bennett, of Clovelly Road in Weston, sent threatening text messages to Victoria Bissett and her partner, Russell Green, before turning up at their home on January 12.

Mr Green called the police after Bennett, aged 33, mimicked a throat-slitting action and made death threats towards Mr Green.

Mr Green had earlier received text messages from Bennett saying he was going to go to the couple’s house with a knife, however, he was unarmed when he threatened the pair.

Bennett also sent abusive text messages to Ms Bissett, the mother of his four-year-old daughter.

In a statement read out in court, Mr Green said: “I have been left fearing for my personal safety and I am wondering what he (Bennett) will do when he is released by the police, because he is so unpredictable.

“I do not want him to contact my family or come anywhere near the house again.”

Kevin Blackmore, prosecuting, told the court: “Bennett used to have regular access to his daughter and maintained an amicable relationship with Ms Bissett, but the relationship had soured since Christmas Day 2014.

“Bennett sent the text messages as he was frustrated and emotional about not seeing his daughter.”

He also said that Bennett had drunk five pints of lager before threatening the couple.

Sue Cameron, defending, said: “Mr Bennett is currently unable to work due to a hand injury. He is suffering from low mood and has said that there is more danger of him hurting himself rather than others.

“He may benefit from some supervision to see what risk he poses to himself or to other people.”

Bennett pleaded guilty on Thursday to one charge of sending a threatening message and one of using threatening and abusive behaviour. He was released on bail and the case was adjourned for sentencing at North Somerset Courthouse on March 9.