A SAUCHIE man who left his girlfriend with a black eye after hitting her in the face with his boot has been given unpaid work as a punishment.

David Watson, 29, of Main Street, was sentenced for a charge of assault to injury, and another of damaging property, at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday, May 30.

The offences took place on the evening of June 9 last year, after he and his partner returned to Alloa having spent the day in Glasgow.

The court heard they had been arguing, and as they walked home, Watson started to push and pull her.

This behaviour continued until they reached a shop in the town, where the situation then escalated.

Depute fiscal Ann Orr said: “Watson then took off his boot and threw it at her.”

The shoe struck the woman on the eye, leaving it bruised and swollen.

At this point, the complainer’s mother showed up in her car, and after she exited the vehicle, Watson then kicked, punched and threw a bottle at it.

The estimated cost of the damage to the car was in excess of £1,000.

Representing himself in court, Watson described his behaviour as “unacceptable” and “out of character”, and said he and the complainer were still together.

Sheriff Simon Collins QC then gave him 250 hours of unpaid work, to be completed over nine months, for the offences.

He will also be required to undergo supervision, and pay £500 in compensation for the damage to the vehicle.