A man has been hauled before the courts after “threatening” messages were sent to a local news title’s editor.

The 42-year-old has pleaded guilty to harassment without violence after the messages were sent to Darren Toogood, who edits Isle of Wight website the Island Echo.

The incidents occurred last week between Monday and Thursday.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded in custody after admitting the offence before Portsmouth magistrates on Saturday morning. He will  appear again at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on 10 October.

Darren, pictured, posted on X yesterday: “A man in his 40s has been arrested, charged and remanded in custody for harassment following an incident last week in which threatening messages were sent to myself and the Island Echo, in what was an attack on the press.

“The media shouldn’t have to tolerate this and I thank Newport CID and Hampshire Police for their swift investigations. I’ll update as the case progresses through the courts.”

Katie French, Newsquest’s group editor for Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, has also praised the police’s actions.

She wrote: “Wow, this might be the first time I’ve seen serious police action over threatening messages towards local journalists.  Let’s hope this is a step towards these types of crimes being treated more seriously.”

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has declined to comment further at this stage.