A WAREHOUSE operator has admitted sending abusive Facebook messages and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend.

James Routledge, of Langton Walk, Darlington, pleaded guilty to harassment at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court in County Durham today (Wednesday, February 19).

Lynne Roberts-Plowman, prosecuting, said Routledge had been controlling and abusive during his relationship with the victim and used social media to sent threatening messages to her when they split.

“On one occasion he attended her address in the middle of the night, switched off all the electricity and threatened to kill her,” Mrs Roberts-Plowman added.

The court heard the victim was vulnerable.

Magistrates adjourned the case until Wednesday, March 12, for probation reports.

Routledge, who has no previous convictions, received conditional bail.

No mitigation was given during the hearing.