A HAMPSHIRE woman, who was helping a police investigation into her ex-husband, withdrew her evidence after he threatened her, a court heard.

Sarah Grumbridge had made a statement against former husband Keith as part of an inquiry that he had made threats to kill her.

But after being interviewed by officers, the 30-year-old painter and decorator then rang Mrs Grumbridge, of Park Gate, and asked his former wife to change her statement.

The 31-year-old was so frightened by the threats he made that she wrote a letter to police which read: "I wish to withdraw the statement I made because I am not happy with all the contents.''

Keith Grumbridge, of Newtown Road, Eastleigh, pleaded guilty at Winchester Crown Court to charges of intimidation and harassment.

He admitted ringing Mrs Grumbridge on October 31 last year intending to intimidate her, knowing she was a witness in court proceedings and intending thereby to interfere with the investigation.

He also admitted harassing her between September 25 and October 21 last year by pursuing a course of conduct which caused her to fear that violence would be used against her.

Grumbridge denied two further charges of making a threat to kill Mrs Grumbridge and perverting the course of justice. These pleas were accepted by the court.

Adrian Fleming, defending, said: ''There has been a rather messy divorce and a course of conduct by the defendant following that which he now accepts amounted to harassment.

"On one occasion he had been arrested and interviewed in relation to the offence of making threats to kill. He accepted he had said words to that effect - but that he didn't have any intention of carrying out the threat.''

Grumbridge was suffering a serious amphetamine addiction and, in a paranoid and delusional state, thought there was a conspiracy against him.

He was now clear of drugs, in regular employment and in settled accommodation since turning his life around, added Mr Fleming.

Judge David MacLaren Webster QC remanded Grumbridge on bail until July 16 for a presentence report.

The judge added: "I have no idea whatsoever at the moment what that sentence will be. I will not make the final decision until I have seen the reports on you.''

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