A RYDE man who claimed a dog ate his girlfriend's missing cash before sending foul, abusive messages to her has been sentenced.

Nathan Hobbs, of Green Street, appeared before the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday.

At a previous hearing at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on July 20, the 26-year-old admitted one count of sending messages conveying a threat, on June 28, 2020.

His case was adjourned for sentencing.

Prosecutor, Thomas Horder, told the crown court Hobbs had arrived at the house of his then girlfriend at around 10.30pm.

He said the pair had been in a relationship for three weeks, and there had been previous difficulties.

Mr Horder said, when the victim noticed £50 missing from a tin pot, she challenged Hobbs and he initially blamed her aunt.

Hobbs soon lost his temper and started swearing at the victim's aunt over the phone, before claiming the dog must have eaten the cash.

When the victim contacted her step-dad for support, Hobbs threatened them both.

Police were called and Hobbs left, loudly revving his motorcycle, and then later sending a series of abusive, expletive-laden messages to the victim.

He threatened to put her step-dad in a coma, and alluded to the victim's illnesses, telling her he hoped she would die.

In police interview, Hobbs admitted sending the messages, but claimed he had been threatened himself.

Graham Gilbert, defending, said Hobbs presented as a troubled young man who had many difficulties.

He had already spent 24 days in custody, and had been detained under the Mental Health Act on two separate occasions.

Judge Susan Evans said Hobbs had appeared in court before, for an almost identical offence in 2017, but accepted he was a person with very specific mental health difficulties.

Hobbs was handed an 18-month community order, to include 30 rehabilitations days.

He was made subject to a restraining order, and ordered to pay a fine of £100 and a £95 victim surcharge.