A scaffolder who threatened to torch, beat, rape and kill his ex-partner has avoided jail.

In May last year, Shane Hubbard, 28, from Sittingbourne, sent messages to another woman, threatening to harm his ex-partner.

They were sent over Facebook Messenger and threatened death and serious harm, with one stating: “I swear I am going to kill her.”

Hubbard, previously of Minterne Avenue, was charged with three counts of sending communication threatening death or serious harm.

On one occasion, he wrote: “I am torching the lot of them,” and another included a threat to break in, beat and rape his ex-partner.

Elisenda Mitchell, prosecuting, explained that while the messages were not sent directly to the former partner, the recipient felt she had to go to the woman’s address after receiving them.

Miss Mitchell also explained how Hubbard, in a separate case, had at an earlier court hearing admitted stalking, criminal damage and battery of his ex-partner, for which he had received a suspended sentence and community service.

At his sentencing hearing on March 11, Maidstone Crown Court heard how on May 16, Hubbard sent a message to the recipient, saying: “Who is around my kids? I swear I will kill them.”

Others included: “I swear I am going to kill her, she has had it, I am going to jail over this,” and another: “When I am off this tag I will torch the lot of them.”

In her witness impact statement, which was read to the court, the ex-partner, who had two children with Hubbard, explained how the defendant’s behaviour “scared” her and how “he wouldn’t take no for an answer”.

It read: “I had no option but to bow to his demands in case he hurt me or my family.”

The court, which was not told the nature of the demands, heard how Hubbard had nine previous convictions for 17 offences.

Judge Philip Statman explained that Hubbard had a trial listed for March 16, 2026.

However, in January he had changed his plea to guilty on all counts of sending communication threatening death or serious harm, which included the threat to break in, beat and rape his ex.

In response, the judge said: “It’s difficult to consider what graver threat could be made to a young woman or any woman.”

In mitigation, Hubbard’s representative Sam Glanville said while the messages were “deeply abhorrent”, the recipient had not been his ex-partner.

It was therefore argued Hubbard was not in breach of his bail when he sent the threats to the woman, because she was the recipient and not his ex.

Citing a psychological report, Mr Glanville added: “ADHD did have an impact on [Hubbard’s] ability to make the right judgements.

“He has a new partner and his life is focused solely on work and going home.

“Now he lives in Cambridgeshire and wants to express his remorse.

“He works in scaffolding six days a week. Sundays he does community service.”

When the judge asked how many of his 200 hours of community service he had done from his previous court punishment, Mr Glanville said Hubbard had completed only 20.

“The effect of what you threatened to do would, in my judgement, undoubtedly be passed on to your ex-partner…”

Judge Statman said: “It is not exactly inspiring to know he has done 20 out of 200 hours of work given by the magistrates’ court.”

Sentencing, the judge said: “You have pled guilty to three counts of sending a communication threatening death or serious harm.

“These threats being made over a period between May 16 and May 18, 2024.

“The effect of what you threatened to do would, in my judgement, undoubtedly be passed on to your ex-partner.”

The judge acknowledged Hubbard had difficulties with his mental health and a diagnosis of ADHD.

He said: “I am completely satisfied that the appropriate sentence is 20 months in prison. I reduce that to 16 months to reflect your plea.”

He continued: “I am going to take an exceptional course. I am going to suspend the sentence for two years.”

Hubbard was ordered to perform 40 hours of rehabilitation requirements and a further 80 hours of unpaid work.

The judge explained if Hubbard offended in any way in the next two years he “should bring his toothbrush” as he would be going to prison.

A five-year restraining order is also in place to protect the victim.