Rhys Richardson, 30, from Mossley Crescent in Newtownabbey, received a sentence at Ballymena Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to domestic abuse.

District Judge Nigel Broderick imposed an Enhanced Combination Order that includes 18 months of probation and 100 hours of community service. A five-year restraining order was also issued against Richardson. He must inform his probation officer before entering any intimate relationship.

A prosecutor outlined that Richardson sent his then partner a text message containing a document called a Death Contract. The message stated the relationship could only end with the death of one partner. Richardson signed the document and requested his partner sign it, but she declined.

The document, titled DEATH ROW CONTRACT!!! in block capitals, declared that the recipient could not leave the relationship and that death was the only exit. Signing it amounted to a life sentence commitment.

The prosecutor noted the woman expressed concern over Richardson's mental health. A defence barrister stated Richardson showed remorse for the message.