A JUDGE who banned a disabled man from buying alcohol or visiting pubs said he should “hang his head in shame” after he sent abusive messages to his carer and turned up at her home with a knife.

Ipswich Crown Court heard Dean Middler, 39, repeatedly verbally abused and threatened his ex-partner and carer after he discovered she had a new partner.

His ex had done her upmost to care for Middler after he suffered a brain injury in an assault in 2014.

Middler had chalked up 31 convictions for 67 offences before the injuries he sustained left him a changed man.

The court heard his abusive messages and phone calls stemmed from his drinking.

The “unpleasant” messages and threats against his carer and her new partner culminated in an incident on September 4 last year, when police found him in possession of a serrated blade outside her address.

But once in custody he denied he ever intended to cause any harm with the knife.

Middler, of Hunting Gate, Colchester, admitted sending malicious communications and possession of a knife.

Sasha Bailey, mitigating, said he is “extremely remorseful” and could be helped by the probation service.

“Drink is clearly a problem for Mr Middler and he accepts that himself,” she said.

She said he held a “strong love” for his ex-partner and the daughter they share, with his ex still willing to act as his carer despite the incidents.

Judge Emma Peters suspended a 14 month prison sentence for two years, and ordered Middler to complete 50 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

She also banned him from visiting any licensed premises and from buying alcohol from any shop for six months.

She said: “I’ll give you a quote: ‘It’s nasty, we don’t need people like this in our society’.

“These are your words in your interview with the pre-sentence report author.

“What’s particularly unpleasant about these offences is that she, having been your partner for many years, the mother of your adored child, has, despite the fact she has moved on with her life, stayed so supportive of you.

“She cares for you, she looks after you.

“I hope you really hang your head in shame at the way you treated her.

“Because it is just nasty, as you said yourself.”