A woman who threatened to stab her ex-girlfriend's son has avoided jail.

Katie Glover, who was arrested and charged after making the threats in expletive-laden text messages, was told she could face a custodial sentence at a previous court hearing.

The 29-year-old, formerly of Silver Close, Tonbridge, sent a number of abusive messages during an argument with her former partner, Helen Edmonds.

In them she told Miss Edmonds she wanted her son dead and she would be waiting for him with a knife.

It's understood the pair had previously disagreed over the 22-year-old man and his girlfriend, who lived with them in Tonbridge.

Maidstone Magistrates' Court heard during the argument, in April, Glover, a general assistant at Tonbridge School sports centre, sent pictures of kitchen knives covered in blood and said: “Tell them sweet dreams from me.”

Glover, now of Whitehawk Way, Brighton pleaded guilty to criminal damage to property valued under £5,000, sending threatening messages, drink driving, using a vehicle without insurance and driving without a licence.

In May chair of the bench at Maidstone Magistrates' Court, Paul Amans, said the court would need to consider a custodial sentence due to the severity of threats made.

The case was adjourned to a hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on Monday, where she was sentenced.

Magistrates handed Glover a community service order with supervision to be completed within 12 months.

She was also disqualified from driving for 20 months and handed a restraining order to prevent her contacting those involved in the case.

She must pay £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.