A DRUNK man shouted at cops following an argument with his girlfriend.

James Halliday repeatedly demanded to see his partner's phone on June 20 this year at her home in Alexandria.

And when police arrived a short time later he acted aggressively and shouted and swore at them as he attempted to leave the area in a taxi.

The 31-year-old, of Elmbank Drive, Alexandria, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on July 25 where he pleaded guilty to a single charge of acting in a threatening and abusive manner towards his now ex-partner.

Procurator fiscal Tiffany Chisholm said: "Around 12pm the witness was within her home address. At this point, the accused entered the house under the influence of alcohol. 

"The accused asked who she was on the phone to. She replied it was her brother.

"At this point, a small argument ensued. The complainer then exited the property with the argument continuing. Both parties were shouting and swearing at each other. 

"An anonymous 999 call was made. Police attended and observed the accused walking towards a taxi that pulled up outside the address. They could hear the accused shouting 'f*** off' and 'get to f***'.

"The accused was subsequently cautioned and charged and conveyed to Clydebank police station."

His defence solicitor Paul Sweeney told the court: "He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. I don't take any objections to the narrative.

"The only thing I feel should have been added is when the complainer was [asked] when regarding to who she was on the phone to she conceded it was a male friend and not her brother that she told the accused.

"And effectively this is an argument that comes out of her speaking to somebody else.

"It doesn't excuse his behaviour. He was heavily intoxicated at the time and allowed his emotions to get the better of him.

"The best thing I can say of Mr Halliday is that he accepts full responsibility and states his behaviour was fully wrong.

"He does have a record. It is a record that is not the worst your lordship has ever seen by any stretch of the imagination. However, there is a gap in offending between 2018 and 2022.

"He suffers from ADHD. He also suffers from poor mental health from when he was stabbed as a teen. To this day he is prescribed anti-psychotic medication and has been suffering flashbacks due to the effects of this incident. 

"He has started reducing his offending and moving away from this type of behaviour. It is clear that he does have issues regarding alcohol."

As a direct alternative to custody, Sheriff Seith Ireland placed Halliday on a community payback order for 18 months under social work supervision and as a conduct requirement, he will attend alcohol counselling. 

A non-harassment order was imposed to prevent Halliday from contacting his ex or entering her home for one year.

The sheriff added: "I understand that the relationship is over but that is not always the case as the court knows the reality. I think the lady should have a view of protection."