A CAR trader told his wife to "go back to her own country" after she said he couldn't take his kids to Mallorca.

Jeremy Stead, 45, launched a racially aggravated attack at his former Thai partner Areerat Stead by sending a text message which criticised her origin and parental style.

He sent the menacing text message on May 25 when Mrs Stead said she wouldn't give the children's passports to him before he took them on holiday.

Prosecuting, Daniel O'Neill told Southampton Magistrates' Court that Stead also threatened to end paying child support money.

He said: "The text message said 'I deserve better than you.

"You're not fit to be their mother. I will make sure they never forgive you.

"I'm going to stop all payment...you should be kicked of the country.'"

In a victim statement read by Mr O'Neill, Mrs Stead said she was made to "feel like I should not be here".

The court heard that Stead now works buying and selling cars and that he was previously a man of good character.

Mark Rigby, mitigating, told the court that the couple married in 2005 but their relationship began souring six years ago.

Mr Rigby said: "It all went downhill when, in 2011, he was made bankrupt and his wife said she wanted a divorce."

He added: "His comments were immature but he was emotional when his children became involved with the holiday plans.

"He was clearly upset at the situation."

Stead, of Norman Road, Blackfield, was fined £280. He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.