Norwich man brandished knife and threatened to kill his ex

She was left worried “he would flip” and might carry out the threat following the breakdown of their toxic relationship, during which his outbursts had often left her scared, Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told. 

Joshua Leggett, 27, appeared in court to be sentenced after he pleaded guilty to sending threatening messages in March 2023.

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Deputy District Judge Sahil Sinha told him he had come “within a whisker” of being sent to prison after he suspended a six-month sentence for two years.

“Brandishing a knife while making threats is extremely serious especially when those threats in themselves are serious,” he said.

He said he agreed with a probation report that found he posed a risk to the public, especially further partners.

Norwich Magistrates' Court was told Leggett had brandished a knife and made threats to kill during a call to his ex partner (Image: Newsquest)

The court was told Leggett, of Victoria Street in Norwich, had a history of domestic violence in a previous relationship that had led to a conviction in 2016.

Stuart Cowen, prosecuting, said he had moved on into another toxic relationship but she had repeatedly tried to end it.

During his online threats he told her he would kill her and stab her family members stating “if they open their mouths there will be consequences”.

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Matt Diss, mitigating, said he had left a voicemail immediately after the call apologising and saying he had no intention of following through on the threats.   

“It was a silly threat, he didn't mean it,” he said. 

He has since taken steps to address his behaviour, he added. 

Deputy District Judge Sinha ordered he complete rehabilitation programmes and imposed a five year restraining order. 

He warned Leggett that he was marking in the case file that any breach of the order should lead to him being jailed.