A BRENTWOOD man who "terrorised" his ex-girlfriend with a ten-inch knife has been warned he could face jail.
Remanding Andy Thomas, 30, of Pennyfields, Warley, for pre-sentence reports, Judge Kate Peters told him at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday last week: "These are serious matters.
"While not excluding the possibility of custody, I have asked probation to explore alternatives."
Thomas, formerly of Greenfields, Brentwood, who pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage, harassment and having a bladed article, was remanded on conditional bail until June 17.
He was banned from going to Harlow, other than to see a solicitor by prior appointment, and must not contact Jenny Thornton nor go within 250 metres of her address in Harlow.
He must also report twice a week to Brentwood Police Station.
The court was told that Thomas had previous convictions for public order offences.
Prosecutor Mark Lakin said: "His relationship with Miss Thornton had been going on for seven months or so and he didn't accept it was over.
"On October 3 last year he went round to the area and saw her – she'd just got out of bed – and he went round the back of the house to see her boyfriend making a cup of tea."
Mr Lakin said that Thomas became angry and tried to force his way in but was stopped by Ms Thornton's boyfriend.
He continued: "Afterwards there were a series of messages – pathetic and menacing – with expressions of love backed up by unpleasantness and threats.
"Previously, he'd issued threats to kill himself and anyone she took up with.
"They were not taken seriously.
"During the incident the knife was put through the letter box and waved from side to side. In the 999 call there was genuine fear and terror from her."
Thomas's counsel, Gavin Burrell, urged the judge to obtain pre-sentence reports.