A MAN threatened to slit the throat of his partner in an email to her, a court has heard.

Richard Kelly, of Merkins Avenue, Bellsmyre, made the threat on October 28 and later pleaded guilty

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard that Kelly, 29, and his now ex had been in a relationship for about two years. They had been together at a property at Smollett Road, Dumbarton, but had a falling out and she left.

Just after midnight, she received an email threatening to “slit your throat”.

Defence solicitor Scott Adair said it was his client’s first domestic incident and there had been no contact since.

He said: “It was a single threat he had no intention of fulfilling.”

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry said it was a “serious reaction to an argument and I think he accepts alcohol played a part”.

But he told Kelly alcohol was no excuse, and he hoped Kelly felt “ashamed of what you did”.

Kelly was put under social work supervision for 18 months with a requirement to attend alcohol counselling or treatment as directed. He must also do 80 hours of unpaid work in the community.

He was barred from any contact with his ex for three years.