A LABOURER who got in a heated argument with his ex outside a pub in the Vale was told he should be rightly embarrassed.

John McInally, of Halkett Crescent, Alexandria, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court for sentencing on October 26.

Fiscal depute Heather Galbraith told the hearing that at 6pm on June 12, 2021, on Bank Street, Alexandria, McInally and his partner had been out drinking in a pub together.

On the way home the 51-year-old was heard shouting, accusing her of being with other people. He called her a “s***”.

Witnesses nearby heard the commotion and called police.

Defence solicitor Amanda Kelly said: “He is extremely emotional and embarrassed. He clearly knows that relationship was not the best, and no contact has been made with her since.

“He has already attempted to work on his alcohol issues. He has advised that he hasn’t touched alcohol since the incident.”

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry pointed out that a background report said McInally’s alcohol intake had been reduced, rather than eliminated.

Ms Kelly said she couldn’t explain that discrepancy but added: “He is a labourer and has worked for the same company for 20 years and is prepared to carry out unpaid work at the weekend.”

Addressing McInally the sheriff said: “Regardless of what went before your behaviour was embarrassing, and you’re rightly embarrassed.

“I would probably have fined you if it were not the fact there was another matter from 2018. I will put you on a community payback order again.”

The sheriff handed McInally a community payback order for 12 months under supervision and 100 hours of unpaid work.

He also imposed a non-harassment order for preventing any contact with his ex, and banning him from her home until 2024.