A Lowerhouses man has admitted sending threatening text messages to his former partner.

Lee Carter, of New Laithe Close, appeared before Kirklees Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded guilty to a charge under the Malicious Communications Act of sending an electronic communication conveying a threat.

The court heard that the 26-year-old had been in a relationship with Natasha Randle and they had two children together.

On January 4 she was due to pick the children up from his home but got in touch to say she was unable to do so.

Prosecutor Vanessa Jones said that this resulted in Carter becoming quite abusive towards her.

He sent Miss Randle several angry texts, the court heard.

In one Carter told her that he hated her with a passion.

One message read: “You’ll be lucky if I don’t smack you up” while another said: “I could do murder for you right now.”

Ian Whiteley, mitigating, said that Miss Randle had contacted his client to say that she couldn’t pick the children up.

He added: “She said she’d been out drinking and wanted to continue to drink. Mr Carter thought that she was out of order and said so.

“The text messages got more and more angry. He says it was wrong but he was frustrated at the situation.”

District Judge Vincent McDade adjourned sentencing until February 4 for reports.

Carter was banned from contacting Miss Randle.