An Alloa man has been admonished at the town’s Sheriff Court following a domestic altercation with his former wife in front of their two children.

The 29-year-old attacked his ex-partner in front of their daughters after a row regarding the sale of the house they had previously shared.

He pleaded guilty to acting in a threatening manner, shouting and struggling with his wife earlier this year and appeared for sentencing last Thursday (30 October).

The incident took place in Alloa on Friday 21 March 2014, shortly after the accused’s wife had come to his home to collect their children.

Depute fiscal Marie-Claire Chaffey told the court how the accused’s ex-wife and their two children were in her car, when the two became embroiled in an argument.

She said: “The complainer was in the driver’s seat of the car when she and the accused began to discuss the sale of their matrimonial home and other financial matters.

“The discussion became heated and the accused became increasingly agitated.” Depute fiscal Chaffey said the accused then opened the driver’s door before a struggle ensued.

She added: “Both children witnessed the incident with the eldest daughter shouting at the accused to leave her alone.” Following the attack, the accused was taken to Alloa Police Station where he spent a weekend in custody.

The court heard that no further domestic incidents had taken place between the accused and his former partner since the incident in question.

Gary Munro, defending, said: “This was a one-off event for him and happened at a very emotional time.” Sheriff Derek O’Carroll noted the accused’s time in police custody and his good behaviour since the incident as reason to admonish him.

However, he warned that a repeat of the incident would likely mean a further period of incarceration.

He said: “This is not the first time you have lost your temper, although it was the first time you have done so with your former wife.

“It is aggravated by the fact your children witnessed the assault.

“I see that you already spent a weekend in the cells following your arrest, which must not have been very comfortable for you.

“I think you have learned your lesson but be sure that nothing like this happens again or you will be spending more time in custody.”