Ripley man’s texts were of an abusive and racist nature

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on June 10, how Lee Flint, 39, of Crossley Street, Ripley, had been at his partner’s home where he had been drinking vodka before shouting at her and was later found to have sent abusive texts to her.

Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam said: “The complainant said she had been in an on-off relationship with the defendant for six months and he was controlling. She said he came to her house with his daughter and they had watched TV and the defendant went to buy vodka and he and the complainant drank this.”

Ms Haslam added the defendant became drunk and shouted and swore. She said Flint made abusive comments about the complainant’s son - who has a Moroccan father - before he drove away with his daughter.

Police were alerted and discovered Flint had also sent texts of an abusive and racist nature and other officers found him at his home smelling of alcohol. Flint pleaded guilty to failing to provide a drink-drive breath test and to sending offensive texts after the incident on May 19.

Defence solicitor Katie Fowkes said Flint had only had a small amount of vodka with the complainant and he had consumed the rest of the vodka when he got home.

She added: “Mr Flint doesn’t accept making any racist comments at the complainant’s house but he accepts making the other comments made by text but has no recollection of making them.”

Magistrates adjourned the case until June 24 to consider probation reports before sentencing. Flint was released on bail on the grounds he does not contact the complainant.