A MAN who assaulted his former partner has escaped a jail term by the "narrowest of margins".

Tony Jordan, 28, of Main Road, Arrochar, carried out the attack on a woman, at a house in Victoria Street, Dumbarton, on May 10, 2017.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard on Friday how Jordan threw flowers at her and spat in her face. He then acted in a threatening or abusive manner putting her into a state of fear and alarm. He was shouting and swearing at her.

Prosecutor Aga Mathieson told the court: "They had been in a relationship for two years, which ended six months ago."

Lawyer Lauren Kerr said: "He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and has been on bail with special conditions imposed.

"He has managed to stay out of trouble for two years which is a significant period of time for someone who has been in so much trouble. It is progress. He is trying to get back on track."

Sheriff William Gallacher said: "Your behaviour more than justifies me sending you to prison. I cannot ignore the period of time since your last conviction.

"By the narrowest of margins I will put you on a community payback order for two years. It really is with the greatest of hesitation I am not sending you to prison."

Jordan was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within 12 months, this was reduced from the maximum of 300 hours because of his previous convictions.