A MAN who threatened to kill a Bridport social worker due to concerns over the care his terminally ill partner received has been jailed.

Alan Davies, of Garfield Avenue, Dorchester, was found guilty of making threatening communications with the purpose of causing distress or anxiety at a trail at Weymouth Magistrates Court on June 14.

The 58-year-old appeared before the same court for sentencing on Wednesday, July 5.

The charge related to a conversation he had with a Bridport-based social worker concerning the care of his partner who suffers from a life-limiting illness and requires constant care.

Elizabeth Valera, prosecuting, told the court that during a phone conversation Davies had lost his temper and threatened the social worker.

The social worker called Davies to say he was responsible for collecting his partner’s medication from the GP but Davies grew angry and began to swear at her.

Ms Valera said: “He told the social worker, ‘I would like to come find you and stab you myself. I know where you are, I will find you and I will kill you’. The victim said Mr Davies could be heard on the phone saying to his partner “no one cares if you live or die, social services don’t care.”

Magistrates were told that the phone call left the victim anxious and afraid to go out in Dorchester.

The court heard a statement from the victim which read: “I was incredibly scared and concerned for my safety. I know sometimes people say thing like this without meaning them, but I felt Mr Davies had the intentions of carrying out the threats.”

Lee Christmas, mitigating, said it would be “unjust” to send Davies to prison because of the affect it would have on his partner who is dependent on him.

Prior to Davies’ court appearance his partner, who has been in and out of care homes, had been staying with him for the past nine weeks.

Mr Christmas said: “Since she has been at home with him her condition has improved greatly. When she has been put in care in the past it is usually alongside people with dementia although she has no mental health issues. As a result, she cannot communicate with others and her physical health deteriorates.”He told magistrates that Davies had an upcoming hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court where it would be decided whether his partner could permanently reside at home.

Magistrates handed Davies a one-month prison sentence for the threatening phone call and a two-year restraining order.

He must also serve a three-month sentence for a previous charge of battery which had been suspended and a one-month term for a previously suspended public order offence. The first two terms are to be served concurrently, and the third was consecutive, meaning Davies must serve an overall prison sentence of four months. Sentencing Davies, the chairman of the magistrates, said: “We have considered arguments that it is unjust but we feel you must now accept responsibility for your behaviour. We also have a job to protect members of the public who are doing their job.”He was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to the victim and £115 victim surcharge.