A SELF-CONFESSED "keyboard warrior" has been fined after sending a series of abusive and threatening messages to a friend.
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Michael Sanders, 48, appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court last week where he admitted to the offending.
The court heard on December 31 last year, the victim was charged with assaulting Sanders after a card game turned violent.
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Then about 9pm on January 14, the victim noticed Sanders had tried to contact him 10 times via text messages.
The court heard the messages were threatening and abusive, with Sanders telling the man he would "make (him) pay" and the victim's "death would be inevitable".
The next day, Sanders sent another 50 text messages to the victim and tried to call him 17 times.
The court heard the messages were escalating in threats, with Sanders telling the man to "look out" because his days were numbered.
The victim contacted police and officers from Heathcote attended Sanders' property later that day.
The court heard Sanders was remorseful and told police he was very drunk when he sent the messages.
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Defence lawyer Alex McLennan told the court Sanders had prior convictions for similar offending.
Mr McLennan said Sanders described himself as a "keyboard warrior" and he had no intention of following through with the threats.
The defence lawyer said while Sanders had issues with alcohol abuse, the 48-year-old had significantly cut down on his drinking.
Mr McLennan asked the magistrate to impose a fine rather than a community corrections order or time in prison.
Magistrate Russell Kelly told Sanders he should stay away from the keyboard when he drank alcohol.
Mr Kelly said if the 48-year-old made threats again, he would be looking at a prison sentence.
Instead, the magistrate convicted and fined Sanders $1000.
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