Is this normal for some one with mental health

[Tia2005]

I finished with my ex who has mental health problems because he said he was having thoughts about my daughter and rape he said it just poped into his head !!

My daughter is 10

It depends a lot on how he felt about the thoughts, was he upset by them? It could be intrusive thoughts, which is quite common. It usually effects people who are the least likely people to ever harm anyone and it upsets them deeply. The problem is, the more they focus on not wanting the thoughts, the more they come in to their head. Which makes sense as, if someone said to you, 'dont think about a pink elephant' what's the first thing you think about?!
Did he tell you about how he felt about the thoughts? I'm not saying it's definitely this, but it's one possibility.

I just need to update what I've said. It depends a LOT on what problems he already has. Did he display any worrying behaviour before saying this? How is he as a father generally?
Can he talk to his GP about this?
It's just that I read your previous posts.

No, it isn't 'normal' for people suffering from mental illness.
But good that he spoke of these feelings rather than acting on them. Does he have help?
For what it's worth, I would have done the same as you. Your daughter is your priority.
What's his diagnosis?

Littleballerina, I don't agree, many people have instrusive thoughts that are very upsetting - it does not mean they want to act on them at all. Look at Dr Seif's website about it. There are a lot of normal people who have this. What matters is how it made him feel. If he is repulsed by the thoughts (as any normal person would be!) it's an intrusive thought. But if he is not, the OP is right to leave him.

He has Schizophrenia
He said he felt guilty about what he said

In that case it could be more serious and he needs to speak to his mental health team or gp about these thoughts. It's good he's open but you're right to need to protect your children and yourself. Is he taking his medication? Does he have regular meetings with his mental health worker?