AN ISLE of Wight man who made threats to kill an ex-partner, with vile insults — a repeat of similar offending against another ex-partner within a matter of weeks — was warned his situation was "dire" by Island magistrates.

Mark Barrett, of Holyrood Street, Newport, admitted causing harassment, without violence, against a woman, by making multiple threatening phone calls to her on October 18.

During the early hours of that day, jobless Barrett, 29, began his prolonged course of being abusive.

The victim was so shocked by what she was receiving, she recorded some.

They included "I'd be very scared if I were you", "I'm going to kill you" and "I'm going to **** you up", said Liz Miller, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court. 

When arrested, Barrett initially refused to hand his phone over to the police, then he refused to divulge his PIN number for them to access it, but they eventually did.

The couple, with children, split up during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The victim told police she was "petrified" for her and her children's safety, fearing he would set fire to her house.

She said she was exhausted by Barrett's behaviour and was "at her wit's end", pleading for it to stop.

This was not the first time this had happened with Barrett.

He appeared before Island magistrates in June for a carbon copy offence against another ex-partner and mother of more of his children.

He was put on probation, coupled with a six-year restraining order.

The probation order started on July 27, with concerns raised about Barrett's mental state.

For Barrett, Michael McGoldrick said his client has ADHD and his impulsive actions were a symptom.

"He deeply regrets his actions, which were done out of anger, spite and frustration. He stepped over the line significantly," Mr McGoldrick conceded.

"He had no intention of acting out his threats, but they are frightening words nevertheless."

Barrett was granted bail, to reappear for sentencing on November 10, on condition he wears an electronic tag and stays away from the victim's street and the school his children attend.

Presiding magistrate, Peter Redding, warned Barrett his position was dire.