What constitutes a death threat??

[CalamityKate]

My friend is having abusive texts from her ex. It's been sparked off by her going to the CSA regarding maintenance.

A few gems from tonight include "I HAVE NEVER HATED ANYONE LIKE I HATE YOU. I WANT YOU DEAD" and "DIE YOU CUNT".

He's been violent in the past.

I've told her to go to the police and log the texts, and make them aware of the background and that he is very angry at the moment.

Could he be in trouble for the texts though?

Yes, he could well be in trouble for the texts and as you've said, your friend should go and report to the police.
A friend of mine was recently in this situation. HIS ex wife was making threats against him and amongst other threats had threatened to kill him. After she ignored several warnings she was charged and it is going to Court.

Your friend should start logging everything and report to police, hopefully they will give him a warning in the first instance and this might be enough to make him stop.

Tell your friend to keep all of the texts and to keep a diary of the abusive behaviour. Keep all voicemail, letters, emails etc.

She should report it to the police. It sounds like harassment and if he has been violent previously, she may want to consider taking out an Injunction against him.

She called the Police and they had a word. He was very apologetic and blamed being "drunk and angry". Bastard. Knowing him (typical bully/coward/very keen to keep his image of "Nice bloke") he will have absolutely shit himself and will have been shocked to the core that she actually took a stand.

I doubt she'll hear a peep out of him any more.

Good for her!

Legally, the minimum this would be is assault as he's put her in fear for her life. I hope the CPS follow this through, being drunk is not a defence. He sounds like a very nasty piece of work, she needs to seek legal advice regarding a restraining order.