A Dubbo man who broke into his ex-girlfriend's house and threw her makeup mirror in the bin, after threatening to bash and stab her has escaped time behind bars.
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Nathan Thomas, 25, was convicted of a string of charges including break and enter, stalk and intimidate, and destroy and damage property when he appeared for sentencing in Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday.
The incident spiralled out of control in the early hours of September 17 last year after Thomas had been drinking at the Castlereagh Hotel.
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According to court documents, Thomas and the woman had been arguing over text message, when she accused him of cheating before they had broken up in January 2020.
The woman ignored Thomas' attempts to call her before he sent a series of messages threatening to break into her home.
"I'll run thru your house slut [sic]," he sent.
"I'd f---ing answer hahaha ... come home haha ... comfy in your house hahhaa [sic]."
The woman returned home with two male friends when she noticed the front door had been forced open and the lock and hinges were broken.
She began to cry after discovering her makeup mirror was missing from her bedroom before locating it in the recycling bin cracked and damaged.
Thomas approached the residence and began screaming at the woman claiming "I'll stab you and bash you".
The woman and her male friends attempted to hold the front door shut as Thomas began to strike the door several times, attempting to gain access. He managed to partially push the door open through the side hinges while also smearing his blood over the door.
Thomas then hit the car belonging to one of the woman's friends leaving scratches, dents and blood on the door.
"I am going to come get your f---ing dogs," he shouted at the woman before fleeing the scene.
Police later located and arrested Thomas, who was intoxicated, in a street nearby.
During sentencing in Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday defence lawyer Jai Silkman said Thomas had taken responsibility for his actions.
"His references speak highly of him," Mr Silkman said.
"He is someone who the court is unlikely to see reoffend in this particular manner, certainly given the limited record he has."
The court heard Thomas didn't have a long history of violence with one matter on his record back in 2014.
However police prosecutor, sergeant Monica Howard said the incident included a prolonged series of events and serious threats, which would have been "particular terrifying for the victim".
Magistrate Stephen Olischlager recognised alcohol seemed to be "an issue" in his life, but stated this type of offending had elements of domestic violence, which was "wholly unacceptable".
"A person's house is their castle, it shouldn't be broken into or degenerated ... what you've done here is really vindictive," he said.
"Relationships aren't simply about you considering your rights and your position.
"The court has to send out a message that violence, particularly violence directed by men towards women is wholly unacceptable."
Taking into consideration Thomas' limited record and positive character references and sentencing assessment report, Magistrate Olischlager said "by virtue" a jail sentence wasn't necessary.
"I've read the sentencing assessment report, and it does speak of your insight to your behaviour and feelings of regret. I also read the character references which seem to speak positive and view you as a person of good character," he said.
Thomas was convicted and sentenced to an 18-month community corrections order.
He was also ordered to undertake 100 hours of community service and required to accept counselling or treatment in relation to alcohol.