AN EMAIL containing threats of torture and murder was sent to a woman by her former partner.

Keith Stewart, of Eweford Cottages, Dunbar, made a phone call to the woman which was described as grossly offensive or menacing when he made threats of violence towards her.

The 31-year-old also sent an email to his former partner which contained threats of torture and murder the following week in November of last year.

Stewart pleaded guilty to the two threatening communications when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last week.

Sheriff Adrian Cottam decided not to impose a non-harassment order but sentenced the offender to a 40-hour unpaid work order.

Stewart admitted making the phone call containing threats of violence on November 20 last year.

He also admitted sending the threatening email to the woman on November 27 last year.