A DUMBARTON man has been spared a jail sentence for choking his former partner and punching her to the head and body during a booze-fuelled assault.

John Robinson attacked the woman at his then home address in Quarry Place on September 25 last year and appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on January 28 for sentencing.

The 42-year-old and his victim were consuming alcohol within the property on the day of the incident when an argument developed.

The procurator fiscal depute told the hearing that the pair took more drink and Robinson then became aggressive.

"He pushed her to the sofa by the neck and he choked her", said the fiscal depute.

"She couldn't breathe and the accused punched her to the left side of the face. She punched him off, picked up her phone and ran out of the room. He punched her to her left shoulder.

"She contacted her father and sister who in turn contacted police.

"During the course of the call she left the house and sat outside. Police then attended and it was observed she had bruises to the side of her eye, face and neck."

Defence solicitor Leo McGinn said his client was "thoroughly ashamed" by his actions.

Mr McGinn said: "This was a dreadful way for him to behave towards his long-term partner.

"He is developing an unenviable record of this type of behaviour.

"From the [criminal justice social work] report there is a recognition that things need to change.

"He struggles with his mental health but does not deal with it well and this leads to drinking.

"He has not resolved his problem with alcohol but has certainly reduced it."

Sheriff John Hamilton sentenced Robinson, now of Station Road, to a community payback order.

He will be under the supervision of the social work department for 12 months and must attend alcohol and domestic abuse counselling.

He must also carry out 220 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. A review of the order was set for May.