A Dunedin man said he wanted to put a chain around his ex-girlfriend's neck, tie her to his vehicle and drag her to her death, a court has heard.
Iliya Alexi Thomas Young (26) was a patient at Wakari Hospital at the time, in August and September last year, and he made the comments to various health professionals, whose concerns led them to contact the police.
Judge Kevin Phillips told the Dunedin District Court this week the defendant's mental health issues were "rampant" at the time but his state was now much improved.
"People can say that type of comment, `I want to kill someone', in moments of stress. Where the difficulty arose was that you then said how you were going to do it," the judge said.
Young's plans involved a slew of violent acts, detailed in court documents.
"He stated he would smash his ex-partner's car windows, drag her out of the car, pull her hair and smash her teeth through her skull," a police summary said.
"He also said he would put a chain around her neck, tie her to his ute and drag her along until she is dead."
Young told the staff members he was passionate about hating his former girlfriend and wanted her dead - "this is one of his biggest wishes", the summary said.
The defendant was assessed under the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act and found fit to stand trial, which brought about a guilty plea to the charge of threatening to kill.
Defence counsel John Westgate said his client was now receiving psychiatric help and was "much better".
Young had strong support from his parents, was in a new relationship and had a job, he said.
Judge Phillips noted the man had no previous convictions.
He sentenced Young to 100 hours' community work and nine months' intensive supervision.
A protection order was granted in favour of the victim.
WHERE TO GET HELP:
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your local GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Samaritans: 0800 726 666
Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
General mental health inquiries: 0800 443 366
The Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757
Homecare Medical: 24-hour 1737 free text/phone
Youthline: 0800 376 633, txt 234 or talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up (for 5-18 year olds; 1pm-11pm): 0800 942 8787
Kidsline (aimed at children up to age 14; 4pm-6pm weekdays): 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline)
