Prison Romance Turns Toxic: Woman Jailed for Death Threats to Ex-Partner
Bethany Mulliner, a 22-year-old woman from Hanley, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after admitting to sending a series of terrifying death threats to her former partner. The disturbing case unfolded at Teesside Crown Court, where Mulliner pleaded guilty to sending threatening communications conveying death between April and July of last year.
Horrifying Messages Sent After Relationship Breakdown
The court heard that Mulliner and her victim had been in a relationship for approximately three months after initially meeting at HMP Low Newton prison. When the relationship ended, Mulliner began sending increasingly menacing messages that left the recipient absolutely terrified for her safety.
Prosecutor Mairi Clancy detailed some of the most chilling communications, including one where Mulliner wrote: "I will happily sit in jail knowing I've killed you." In another message, she declared: "You are going to be six feet under very soon...you can dig your own grave and lie in it and f****** die."
Victim Left in Constant Fear
In a victim impact statement presented to the court, the woman described how the threats had affected her life. She expressed that she was anxious and fearful about what Mulliner might do, genuinely believing that her former partner would seriously injure or hurt her.
The court was told that Mulliner's threats included statements such as: "Put a gun to your head" and "I will stab you and watch you bleed so much...I am a dangerous person if you get on the wrong side of me." These communications created a climate of fear that persisted even after Mulliner was initially apprehended.
Criminal History and Sentencing
Mulliner, of Regent Road in Hanley, has a significant criminal record with eight previous convictions for 13 offences, including battery and breaching restraining orders. Despite being granted bail after her arrest, she attempted to contact the victim again before being remanded in February of this year.
Defense attorney Tabitha Buck requested credit for Mulliner's guilty plea, arguing that her client's mental health issues were directly connected to her offending behavior. Buck contended that Mulliner did not intend for the victim to actually believe the threats would be carried out.
In addition to the 20-month prison sentence, the judge imposed an indefinite restraining order against Mulliner, prohibiting any further contact with the victim. The case highlights the serious consequences of threatening behavior in domestic situations, particularly when it follows the breakdown of relationships formed in challenging circumstances.
