A carpenter shouted threats to break the neck and legs of his daughter's ex. David Hoare yelled abuse terrifying his five-year-old grandson as well as the intended target Daniel Jones.
The 54-year-old defendant drove to Mr Jones' street in Barry at around 3.30pm on January 30. Mr Jones was with his son – Hoare's grandson – when they heard shouting from a car in the street, Cardiff Magistrates' Court heard.
Prosecutor Mike Williams said: "Mr Jones recognised the defendant in the car and describes him shouting threats towards him in the street – words to the effect of: 'Daniel, where are you? Come to f*****g fight me.'"
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The court heard Mr Jones was fearful for the safety of both himself and his child. And later in the afternoon he received two abusive phone calls. Hoare shouted at him: "Why can't you fight me then? I'm going to break your legs mate, I'm going to absolutely f*****g break your neck. I swear to God you d******d, I will f*****g snap you, you piece of s***."
Mr Jones called police who arrested and interviewed Hoare. The defendant, of Kenfig Pool Caravan Park in Bridgend, told officers he was caught "bang to rights" and knew he had done wrong.
Hoare admitted a public order offence and malicious communications. His record contains offences of drink-driving, affray, and criminal damage though he had avoided offending for four and a half years before his latest crime. The self-employed carpenter earns around £525 a week.
Jon Lewis, mitigating, said: "Whatever was going on between him and Mr Jones this defendant did not set out and did not anticipate causing his own grandson any fear or difficulties. Daniel Jones is the former partner of the defendant's daughter. They were in a relationship for a number of years and split up about eight months ago. There had been a number of problems between her and Daniel Jones."
The solicitor said Hoare had "reached the end of his tether" in anger at the way his daughter had allegedly been treated by Mr Jones. But he added that Hoare "bitterly regrets" his handling of the situation.
Hoare was sentenced to 18 days of rehabilitation activity and a £1,000 fine. He must also pay a £95 victim services surcharge and prosecution costs of £85. An order was imposed restraining him from contacting Mr Jones for two years. You can read more of the latest news from Welsh courts here.
