“ I am going to put you to sleep" – Bulwell man’s threats to ex-partner

A Bulwell man who threatened to put his ex-partner ‘to sleep’ later denied he planned to murder her, a court heard.
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Aaron Dyer lost his temper on March 19 and contacted the woman on WhatsApp after their four-year relationship broke down due to his violence, said prosecutor Marie Stace.

"The first time I get my hands on you I am going to put you to sleep", he said in one message. Another read: "I am going to break your f****** mouth. I will happily go sit in jail for 18 months."

Referring to her new partner he said: "I bet I get him shot."

Nottingham Magistrates' Court.Nottingham Magistrates' Court.
Nottingham Magistrates' Court.

His ex-partner told police she was frightened Dyer would call at her home and damage her vehicle, or send people to her address.

He told officers he sent the messages but didn't want to kill her.

"I meant that I wanted to choke her, or knock her out," Dyer said. "I am not a murderer."

He said he had since apologised and what he did say was said in the heat of the moment.

The court heard he was last in court for a minor charge of drug possession in August 2019.

Kate Macmillan, mitigating, said he had kept out of serious trouble since 2012 and had performed an ‘impressive turnaround’.

"They were very much the actions of a man who lost his temper," she said. "His recent behaviour is a blip."

She said Dyer became concerned about his son being in the presence of his ex's new partner.

Probation officer Malclom Leech: "He can blame nobody but himself for his actions. He knows he has let himself down. He is receiving treatment for a longstanding drug problem."

Dyer, 38, of Grinden Crescent, admitted sending threatening messages on April 3.

Magistrates said they were ‘shocked’ by the messages, but noted he had behaved for eight years. They imposed a six-month community order with 10 rehabilitation days to monitor his behaviour.

He was fined £120, with £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

Compensation was deemed to be inappropriate. A 12 month restraining order was also imposed.

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