Sutton taxi-driver sent 'menacing' emails to ex

Mansfield Magistrates Court heard that David Persaud harrassed the woman with emails and letters, calling her at work and waiting near her and her mother’s homes, between March 15, and June 16.

Prosecutor Robert Carr said: “Everywhere she turns she sees Mr Persaud. She sees him at her home, at her work, with her family.

“She is petrified over what he is going to do. She is now so nervous in everything she does, she keeps her doors locked and has a padlock on her garden gate.

“She fears that he will hurt her if he finds her. It’s been going on for nearly a year. The encounters are becoming more frequent and more frightening.”

In one email he warned: “One day there will be a pay-day.”

In another: “You know that if we bump into each other it will be a blood bath.”

He also sent letters pleading for another chance.

Mr Carr said their ten year relationship ended in August last year.

Once Persaud’s father had moved into a care home, the court heard Persaud began to bully the woman “as he didn’t have anyone else to take it out on.”

Mary Dixon, mitigating, said: “He says that he thought she knew him well enough to know the threats wouldn’t be carried out.”

She said Persaud’s father had given him a large amount of money to buy a house, and £20,000 remained in his ex’s bank account.

“He is desperate to re-open lines of communication and it’s for that reason he has been in contact with her,” Mrs Dixon added.

Persaud, 51, of Stevenson Crescent, admitted harassment without violence, when he appeared in court on Wednesday.

District Judge Jonathan Taaffe said: “These are menacing threats. You need to get the message - this relationship is over.

“The lady concerned has a right to live her life in the way she wishes to live, whatever your views may be.”

He said Persaud’s lack of previous convictions and guilty plea stopped him from sending him to prison.

He handed Persaud a 14 week prison sentence, suspended for two years. He imposed a three year restraining order, banning him from contacting the woman, except through solicitors. He ordered £85 costs and a £115 government surcharge.