Ex wont return a phone I bought

[PunnyOliveMentor]

I share two children to this horrible man and our relationship was always toxic.
We have been separated for about 7 years and even when we were together it was very on and off.

He was physically, mentally and verbally abusive which lots of things were reported.

He has always tried to make my life difficult ever since. I have been with my current partner for almost 5 years and we share a son together and have another on the way. My ex has been with his partner around a year and I thought this might mellow him but hey ho he's still the same.

I bought a phone for my son to play games on a while ago but months ago when he went to his dad's he took it in his bag. Ever since ive been asking for it back and his dad refuses. He did call me last week and said I could have it back if I sign a form for him to get put on one of our children's birth certificates (he isnt on it because he wasn't interested when he was born)
I refused because there was no way I was going to meet up with him.

When I collected the kids yesterday I asked my son where the phone was and he said his dad said he couldn't have it. I knocked on the door to ask for it and he just shut the door in my face.

Im just sick of all the crap from him really. I spoke to 101 and asked if there was anything they can do and they are going to come and speak to me next week. AIBU?

Really ? Thought the reason for MN was to share a different in opinions views and advice. I have been following this post from beginning and I didn’t read any over judgemental comments. Just good advice. Sometimes I think OP doesn’t like to hear some truths they cant take.
very strange …

Your child doesn’t need a screen when he’s with his dad. Possibly not at home either, he’s so little.

write the phone off, otherwise your ex will get a hard on from the anguish he’s giving you

don’t give him the satisfaction

Sounds quite straightforward to me - if he won't return your phone, that is theft and the police should go and see him and get it returned. I wouldn't send your sons with anything valuable again though. This is not going to go away unfortunately, if he's always been abusive, he's unlikely to change. So you are going to have to deal with him until the children are adults. The best you can do is limit communication as much as possible and do your best to ignore/not respond to any provocation on his part. It's difficult and I don't envy you 😔

@SeenItAllMostly I haven't reported anuthing at all and I was curious to see the replies so not very strange what so ever! I havent said anything bad to any responses so it has nothing to do with me! @hysteroww @Shinyandnew1 yes not been together for 7 years. We were on and off too. Conceived my children when we were no longer together. Not really that difficult to apprehend

@Endofyear thank you. Police are coming to speak to me. And I honestly am trying to limit contact to pretty much zero communication with him. And tbh this phone business just adds to the crap and I am so fed up of him being able to just do what he wants. Its gone on far too long already and I really do not know why he can't just be amicable. He has some serious hate.

Yes it's a shame he can't put his children's happiness before his own petty agenda 😔 he's obviously not a contented person to hold onto such anger and resentment. It will eat away at him and he will likely end up a lonely and bitter old man. Look at it this way - you have a lovely new partner, your lovely children and you're not with that arsehole any more - you're winning at life! 💐

@Endofyear aw thank you thats lovely.

I did hope him getting into a relationship would help but it didnt unfortunately.

And yes honestly life is a breeze with my partner and children compared to being in a relationship with a man like that.