AN ISLE of Wight man who texted his ex-partner saying he was going to kill her and hoped her unborn child would die has been handed a restraining order.

Michael Knight, of East Cowes Road, East Cowes, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday, May 31.

At a previous hearing in April, the 32-year-old admitted sending communication threatening death or serious harm, in East Cowes, on February 20.

Prosecutor, Munayah Hassan, said Knight sent his ex-partner a threatening text message following the end of a four-month relationship.

The court heard the victim was pregnant at the time, and Knight wrote in a text to her: "I will kill you" — and hoped her unborn child would die.

Ms Hassan said the victim feared what Knight, who had 15 previous convictions for 19 offences, might do to her, and to her unborn child.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said their relationship had come to an end and Knight’s perception was that the victim was in another relationship.

He said he admitted responding angrily and immediately regretted it.

The court heard the messaging was short lived – just a single communication – and Knight had left the victim alone since.

Knight was handed a 12-month community order, to include 80 hours of unpaid work, and made subject of a 12-month restraining order.

He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £114 surcharge.