Man sentenced to four-and-a-half years for threatening ex-partner, barrister and judge

A man has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years' imprisonment for threatening his ex-partner, her barrister and a judge over social media following a family court battle.

Ray Francis, 54, was sentenced on 2 June 2023 at Salisbury Crown Court having pleaded guilty to three offences connected to a London Family Court case. These were two counts of malicious communications and one count of threatening to kill. A restraining order was also made protecting all three victims.

Francis was seeking contact with his child through the family court system. During this time between 12 July 2022 and 28 October 2022, he made a number of threats to his ex-partner, the barrister representing his ex-partner and also threatened to kill the judge who presided over the family court matter.

The threats and communications, which consisted of violent and offensive language, were communicated via posts, comments and livestreams across two social media platforms as well as via email.

A Senior Crown Prosecutor for the CPS said: “Ray Francis’ threatening behaviour caused considerable distress and alarm to his victims and others that may have witnessed his actions.

“His social media posts and livestreams were violent and offensive, and no-one should have to endure this type of behaviour.

“Threats of this nature are taken very seriously and will not be tolerated. The CPS will not hesitate to prosecute such offences whenever our legal test is met."