A MAN who admitted sending text message threats to his former girlfriend was bailed by magistrates yesterday.

William James Tomlinson, 27, admitted sending four texts to Clare Hall on July 6, threatening to kill, magistrates in Newton Aycliffe heard.

Paul Hunter, prosecuting, said Tomlinson had a personality disorder and, when interviewed by police, admitted sending the texts. He also admitted to a police doctor and a psychiatrist he would kill Ms Hall and her family.

John Wager, in mitigation, said Tomlinson, was remorseful.

He had been left confused when Ms Hall told him she had a new boyfriend.

"Having had a drink at home on his own, he sent those text messages," Mr Wager said.

Tomlinson had been remanded in custody, but magistrates granted him bail until his sentencing hearing on August 10, on condition he resided in West Auckland Road, Darlington.