A violent teenager from the Midlands has been sentenced after a campaign of threats against his ex-partner, which included vows to murder her grandmother, and culminated in attacks on police officers.
Threats and Machete Photos Following a Row
The disturbing case, heard at Leicester Crown Court, centred on Aven Smith, 19, of Grocot Road in Evington. The court was told that trouble flared after Smith began a new relationship and his current girlfriend fell out with his ex-partner, whom he had known since school.
In September 2025, Smith sent a series of what the prosecutor described as "very unpleasant" voicemails to his former girlfriend. In these messages, he threatened to kill both her and her grandmother, with whom she lived. He further arranged for his new partner to taunt the victim by sending photographs of machetes, claiming they were weapons he possessed.
Violent Outburst at the Police Station
The victim reported the threats to the police, leading to Smith being brought in for an interview. Due to his vulnerabilities, he was accompanied by a solicitor and an 'appropriate adult'. However, Smith became aggressive, disliking the legal advice to stay silent and turning on the appropriate adult.
Prosecutor James Varley stated that Smith used a racist term and threatened to kill the woman. He also told officers he would stab his ex-partner if released. When the interviewing officer mentioned Smith's current girlfriend, the defendant threatened to "smash the officer's face with a hammer."
As the terrified appropriate adult tried to leave, Smith stood up. An officer, believing an attack was imminent, intervened. Smith punched the officer to the ground and kneed him in the face. He then assaulted a female officer who attempted to help her colleague.
Sentencing and Vulnerabilities
In defence, Alexandra-Maria Eugenicos told the court that Smith was a "very vulnerable young adult" with a history in the care system and mental health conditions affecting his cognitive function. She said he was sorry for his actions and that his time in custody had led to self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
Smith pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour, sending malicious communications, and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. Recorder Claire MacLynn KC jailed him for eight weeks at the hearing on Friday, January 9, 2026.
However, due to having already spent approximately three-and-a-half months in custody since October, he was told he would be released immediately. The judge also imposed a two-year restraining order to protect the victims.
