A magistrate said it was 'unfortunate' a man's son was victim to harassment and manipulating messages targeted at his ex-partner.
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The 39-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the victims' identities, pleaded guilty at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Jack Fletcher said police saw the accused driving unlicensed in an unregistered car and he had a history of this type of offending.
He said in March 2021 the accused sent messages to his son that frightened him, sent sexual messages to his ex-partner who is his son's mother and threats.
One threat was that he could not wait to taste her new partner's blood.
The man sent messages to his son saying their mother was trying to find the children a new father.
The court heard the man continued to contact his partner from 15 different phone numbers despite an intervention order begin in place, making a new phone number each time she blocked one.
One time the victim received a message of an add that someone had created of her offering sex.
The court heard the man made a threat to kill and the victim was scared, believing he could carry out the threats.
Defence lawyer Scott Belcher said his client was taken into custody on November 17 on an outstanding warrant.
He said his client had not committed offences since September, demonstrating an ability to not commit criminal offences.
Mr Belcher said the man had the support of his mother and a job.
Magistrate Letizia Torres said 14 days was not enough time in custody for this offending given he had a relevant criminal history.
"The offending involving his son is really unfortunate as well," she said.
"He has had lots of goes on a community corrections order and hasn't made the best of them.
"Given this sort of conduct, he is going to need a real shift in his attitude and lifestyle. He has plenty of unlicensed driving in the past."
Ms Torres ordered a community corrections order assessment. The man will return to work in February.
He is charged with a number of offences, including stalking and using a carriage service to harass.
If you are affected by this story, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.
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