A VALE man who caused his partner fear and alarm when he shouted, swore and damaged household fixtures and fittings at their home in Alexandria has been given a community-based punishment.

Scott Morrison appeared in court for sentencing on December 29, when the presiding sheriff was told that he had been making good progress, and has been fully reconciled with his partner, since his last appearance in the dock.

Morrison, 35, had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at the property in Davidson Road on May 28.

Morrison's solicitor, Gail Campbell, told the court her client was working well with support services and had voluntarily sought the help of social workers.

“That seems to have helped tremendously,” Miss Campbell said.

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry told Morrison: “Your behaviour on May 28 was wholly unacceptable. You can count yourself fortunate that there has been a reconciliation.

“You recognise that there are difficulties, but also that there are methods of dealing with those that don't involve you acting in the way you did on this occasion.”

Placing Morrison under social work supervision for 18 months, the sheriff added: “At the moment it seems as if you are doing the right things voluntarily, but if your enthusiasm drifts away your supervising officer should be able to bring you back in line.

“If the order is breached I will have to select a different type of punishment, and you can assume it will not be a more lenient punishment.”

Morrison was also ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work within six months.