AN ABUSER with nine previous community payback orders (CPO) in the past six years has been given his 10th.

William McGettigan appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week after stalking his ex for over 16 weeks.

Last month he was banned from any contact with the woman for three years over the sustained harassment.

But despite being told his behaviour “deserves” prison, he was allowed to remain free.

The 26-year-old had pleaded guilty in September to repeatedly and persistently sending her messages on social media which were threatening and abusive, repeatedly attempting to contact her through family members, and sending abusive messages directed to her and her family.

McGettigan, of Kirkton Avenue, Knightswood, also created several fake social media identities to try to conceal his identity and prevent his ex from blocking him, and repeatedly threatened physical violence towards her.

The offences stretched from September 7, 2017, to January 29, 2018, and included addresses in Dumbarton, Clydebank, and elsewhere.

Last week his defence solicitor said his client had a history of domestic incidents and “there is an underlying problem there”.

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry challenged the lawyer: “How many times has he been put on a CPO in the last six years? Have you counted them up? Nine CPOs in six years. You can predict the future by looking at the past.”

The defence solicitor replied that it didn’t “project the highest level of success perhaps”. But he said the Caledonian System in Glasgow for tackling domestic abuse hadn’t been tried yet.

Sheriff Hendry told McGettigan the fact he was unable to cope with the end of a relationship was no excuse.

He said: “I have thought, and thought, and thought again. The offences you committed are appalling and I don’t actually believe you understand the effect that has.

“This is appalling treatment of a fellow human being.

Click here for all the latest news from Clydebank and the surrounding areas

“Your behaviour deserves prison.

“With hesitation I’m not going to do that because prison will remain an option. I’m putting you on your 10th CPO in recent years. If you appear before me again, I will send you to prison.”

McGettigan will be under supervision for two years and must take part in the Caledonian System. He must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.