Man threatened to chop up house with chainsaw

A 33-year-old man has admitted threatening to chop a house in half with a chainsaw.

Paul Nigel Callaghan, of Hope, near Nelson, admitted a charge of threatening behaviour when he appeared in Nelson District Court yesterday.

Police prosecutor Chris Stringer told the court that on July 21 Callaghan went to his ex-partner's house in Chamberlain St where the pair argued.

He then drove to Richmond and sent the woman a text message saying he was going to go back to the house and chop it in half with a chainsaw.

Callaghan returned to the house, started up a chainsaw and sawed up two pieces of wood, Mr Stringer said.

Another argument ensued and eventually the woman told Callaghan the relationship was over, which angered him.

Defence lawyer Tony Bamford said Callaghan had returned to the house to cut up firewood as previously arranged with the woman.

Judge Tony Zohrab remanded Callaghan on bail, which was opposed by police, until August 30.

- nzpa