A MAN used an axe to smash the window of a van containing his ex-partner and her new boyfriend, a court was told.

Scott Christopher Hammond repeatedly swung the axe at the windscreen of the vehicle outside of his Darlington home causing it to smash at around 8pm on Thursday, June 26.

Blair Martin, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today (Wednesday, October 22), said Hammond and his ex-partner had been arguing over text message about access to their child before the incident.

The 32-year-old, of The Causeway, pleaded guilty to threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place.

Gwen Burnett, mitigating, said Hammond had feared for his safety and the safety of his new partner and her children, as there were ongoing issues involving the victims.

She said: “They had turned up at his home and he was holding an axe with a neon orange handle hoping they would see it and leave. However, they pulled over so he hit the windscreen."

Magistrates agreed their sentencing powers were not sufficient and committed the case to Teesside Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday, November 19.

Hammond received unconditional bail.