Man sentenced to community service for telling his girlfriend 'the only way out of this relationship is death'
A judge said it was "chilling" that a man sent a "so-called 'death contract'" to his then-partner.
District Judge Nigel Broderick was speaking at Ballymena Magistrates' Court where Rhys Richardson (30), of Mossley Crescent, Newtownabbey, was sentenced after pleading guilty to 'domestic abuse'.
A prosecutor said the defendant had sent his partner a message "which included a 'death contract'."
It was a text message saying "the only way the relationship will finish is by the death of one of the partners".
The defendant signed it and asked his partner to sign it which she refused, the prosecutor said.
Judge Broderick read details of what was entitled 'DEATH ROW CONTRACT!!!' which he said was in block capitals with three exclamation marks.
It said: "This contract states that you understand all of the terms, conditions and requirements.
"This contract also means that you CANNOT leave this relationship. The only way out is DEATH.
"With signing this contract you are making a promise. This [is] a life sentence.”
The prosecutor said the woman was concerned about the defendant's "mental health" and was concerned about his "aggressive" and "erratic behaviour".
A defence barrister said the 'death contract' had been "harrowing" and had been "extremely bizarre," but the defendant had displayed remorse and regret.
Judge Broderick told the defendant: "Your behaviour was deplorable. I have read that so-called 'death contract' and it is chilling to send that message to anybody".
The judge said the only thing saving the defendant from jail was his clear record.
He said the defendant's former partner had been "traumatised" by the defendant's behaviour, "and having read that message I can fully understand why".
The judge last Thursday handed down an enhanced combination order of 18 months of probation and 100 hours of community service.
A five year restraining order was also put in place and the defendant must not develop any intimate relationship without advising his probation officer.