A BALLOCH man who grabbed his partner by the neck and beat her repeatedly on the face and head during a taxi journey has been sentenced to unpaid work in the community.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard on Friday how John McInally, 48, of Beaton Road, carried out the attack on April 29, of this year, within a private hire taxi on the A813, near to Bonhill Bridge, Alexandria.

He attacked his partner by seizing hold of her by the neck and repeatedly striking her on the head.

Prosecutor Emma Thomson told the court: “They had been drinking all day, starting at 5pm, drinking spirits and at 1.30am both had decided to make their way to a nightclub in Balloch.

“He had been talking to another woman and this upset his partner.

“They left in a taxi at 3am and an argument broke out.

“He put his arm around her neck and put her in a head lock with her head on his lap and punched her repeatedly to the left side of her head and kept a grip of her head and neck.

“Police were called and at 4.10am he was handcuffed and taken to Clydebank police office.”

Defence lawyer Lauren Kerr said: “He resides with his partner and has little recollection of events because of his intoxication.

“He realises this is no excuse. He is extremely embarrassed, remorseful and ashamed.

“He is keen for the matter to be put behind him.

“He realises this is a serious matter.”

Sheriff Moira Mackenzie said: “This is a serious offence, but a community payback order is appropriate in this case.”

He was put on a 12-month CPO with the condition at he be placed on social work supervision.

He was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, reduced from 150 hours because of his early plea.

He was told to do the work within nine months.