Dad threatens, assaults ex-girlfriend with 7-month-old baby (Burnley, United Kingdom)

Dad MATTHEW DUNSTON just couldn't accept the breakup with his girlfriend, who is the mother of their 7-month-old child. So he smashed the security light at her home, and threatened to kill her. There is a history of domestic violence-related incidents, including threats to burn down the girlfriend's house. Dad gushes on about how he wouldn't harm the baby, who needs a kidney transplant. But I'm thinking that smoke inhalation is probably not a good thing for a baby, particularly one with health care needs? Could be wrong, ya know.

http://www.burnleyexpress.net/burnleynews/Burnley-dad39s-threats-to-kill.5413537.jp

Burnley dad's threats to kill ex who changed Facebook status to single

Published Date: 30 June 2009

A SPURNED young dad caused early hours trouble at his ex-partner's home after she described herself as single on Facebook soon after they split, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Matthew Dunston (26) saw red and was upset after seeing Sonia Bulcock's profile and believed men were flirting with her. Dunston, unable to sleep, went round to her home, smashed a security light and threatened to kill her.

He was bailed and banned from contacting Miss Bulcock, but later went round again and assaulted her by twisting her arm. Afterwards, Dunston, who had also bombarded the victim with texts, told police he still loved her. He claimed he would not do anything to harm her or their baby son, who the hearing was told, was awaiting a kidney transplant.

Dunston, of Clifton Street, Burnley, admitted assault, harassment and damage. The defendant, who had no previous convictions, was given an 18-month conditional discharge, fined £150 and must pay £100 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Mrs Christiana Buchanan (prosecuting) said police had a record of domestic related incidents relating to the defendant and victim.

They split up in March after four and a half years and have a seven-and-a-half-month-old son. Miss Bulcock ended the relationship and Dunston was not very happy about it. He started to send her text messages which became more threatening and abusive.

Mrs Buchanan said Dunston threatened to burn the house down, said he was going to ruin Miss Bulcock's life like she had done his and was prepared to do life. The defendant also told her if she got a new boyfriend he would kill them both. The victim was at home when she heard noises outside and saw Dunston shouting. He demanded she open the door and threatened her with death if she didn't. The defendant then got a baseball bat from his car and smashed a security light. Miss Bulcock was scared and called police.The prosecutor said Dunston was arrested and told officers he had seen red after the Facebook entry. He was bailed and then went round to the victim's home again. The pair argued and he gripped her arm and twisted it. Miss Bulcock was not significantly injured.

Mr David Lawson (defending) said the defendant and Miss Bulcock's baby was awaiting a kidney transplant and that may have put intolerable pressure on their relationship. He had seen the entry on Facebook not long after the relationship broke down.

Mr Lawson added: "He believed she was engaging in flirtatious comments with other men. He could not sleep and went round in the early hours. He accepts it was wrong.