A JEALOUS boyfriend bombarded his partner with “vile and menacing” text messages accusing her of being unfaithful to him.

Aaron Preece, 26, had been “pleasant” during the early days of the couple’s relationship but turned increasingly abusive, prosecutor Sophie Keegan said.

The defendant confronted his girlfriend on July 31 after he had been drinking vodka and she had just returned home from a night out with friends.

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Preece, of Highbury Drive, Blackwood, began shouting at her and punched a hole in a bedroom door.

Miss Keegan told Cardiff Crown Court how he then texted her a barrage of abuse over a number of days in August.

She said: “The defendant told her she hadn’t replied quickly enough to one of his texts.

“He then began to accuse her of being unfaithful to him with another man.”

Preece, who appeared via video link from Swansea Prison, where he was held on remand, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and sending a threatening message.

The court was told he had 18 previous convictions for 35 offences, including violence and aggravated vehicle taking.

The court was told Preece’s pre-sentence report was “impressive”.

Claire Pickthall, mitigating, said: “The defendant has anger management issues and he has asked for help.

“He didn’t seek to justify or minimise what he had done.

“The defendant showed considerable empathy and remorse.

“He wants to get better and lead a normal life.”

Judge Huw Rees told Preece: “These messages were threatening, vile, persistent and menacing.

“I hope you are absolutely disgusted by your behaviour.”

Preece was sentenced to a two-year community order.

He must attend 30 sessions of a building better relationships programme and complete a rehabilitation activity requirement.

The defendant has to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Preece was made the subject of a three-year restraining order and pay a victim surcharge.