ExDH reappeared after 18 months

[spoonfulofsugar1]

ExDH has reappeared on the scene after 18 months absence. We have 3 DC, 9 7 and 5.
We haven't heard a peep from him in those 18 months.
He now wants to see the children, so i agreed he could come around last weekends and see them (checked with the children they were happy with this).
Now he wants to see them more. I have asked him to build up gradual content, monthly, at my house.
Hes said no, he's their father, he wants to see them when he wants, wants to take them out on his own.
I have real safeguarding concerns for their safety in his care without supervision (drugs, his criminal record). All the reasons i left him.
Now I wish i had never agreed for him to see them at all.
I am suspicious of why he has suddenly reappeared now. But he has said he is 'taking me to court' and been vaguely threatening (not enough to constitute actual threats).
I feel stressed and anxious about this. I honestly wish he would have just gone for good. He has money, i dont and i dont have enough for arrange for a lawyer.

Take you to court- let him! With his record, it will be unlikely he will see it through.

Welcome being taken to court and asking for supervised contact that he'll have to fund what he builds a relationship with them.

My guess is he was in prison and recently released. Try doing a Claire's law request through the police you might find out some useful information.
Agree with Pp, let him take you to court. He won't coz he can't afford to. It's just threats.

Don't talk to him, don't let them see them (make sure he can't lift them from school)

And just await the papers where you say he hasn't seen them for 16 months and it will need to start very gradually - you could even ask for a contact centre as you're worried about drugs/drink etc