A SOLDIER serving with the Mercian Regiment who left a voicemail message on his ex-partner's phone threatening to slit her throat has been given a conditional discharge for two years.

Scott Bridgett, aged 22, who has also been arrested on a warrant for being absent without leave, left the message for Emma Clarke on May 10, magistrates heard.

Bridgett, who lives in Longton, pleaded guilty to sending a malicious communication by phone.

Clair Moss, prosecuting, said Bridgett and Miss Clarke had been in a relationship for five and a half years which ended a year ago when he went into the army. They had a 22-month-old child.

As well as the conditional discharge, the defendant was made the subject of a restraining order for two years.

Garath Davies, defending, said his client had been arrested on a warrant for being absent without leave and whatever the court did with him he would be taken back into army custody and dealt with by them.