AN ALLOA man who brutally assaulted his partner came close to custody in court last week.

Andrew Page appeared for sentencing at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday, October 15, in relation to three charges.

Fiscal depute Ann Orr said the 28-year-old had been out drinking on August 4 this year when the offences took place.

He received a text from his partner, which said she had "been told he was cheating on her".

Page went to her address in Tillicoultry after receiving the message, and began "shouting outside the door, banging on it and demanding to get in", the court heard.

Ms Orr added: "He was angry about the allegation of him having cheated.

"[The complainer] opened the door to ask him to leave, but he kept shouting and refusing to listen.

"She eventually tried to close the door again, at which point the accused barged in and started punching her repeatedly to the head and face."

He also punched her in the ribs and headbutted her, and said: "You made me do this."

A neighbour attended out of concern, and was threatened by Page – who eventually left the area after his partner's parents showed up.

Police were contacted and found him soon after, and as they tried to arrest him he tried to walk off and tensed his arms when they took hold of him.

Ms Orr said Page was subsequently taken to Falkirk Police station, charged with – and later convicted of - assault to injury, threatening behaviour and obstructing police.

In reply to each of the charges, he said, "it's all me, I'm guilty as f**k," "it's all me, all me," and "it was all me".

As the prosecutor finished narrating details of the offences to the court, a GeoAmey custody officer entered the courtroom and stood next to the dock where Page was sitting.

Solicitor Robert Smith said his client was "disgusted by his behaviour" and "apologises profusely".

He noted that Page does have a previous conviction for a similar offence, committed against the same woman in 2015.

Mr Smith added: "He knows if this continues he will end up in custody; I would hope he hasn't reached that stage yet."

Sheriff Craig Harris said: "You put this lady through a violent and terrifying ordeal, and you have a previous conviction for assaulting her six years ago.

"The options to the court are either a custodial sentence, or the highest possible tariff community-based sentence as a direct alternative."

The sheriff then outlined that he was required to take account of the statutory presumption against custodial sentences of less than 12 months, and the fact Page has never served a custodial sentence.

And he added: "A custodial sentence would offer little protection for anyone in a relationship with you in future."

In the circumstances, he placed Page, of Harris Court, on a community payback order.

He is required to undergo supervision for three years, complete 200 hours of unpaid work, and complete the two-year Caledonian programme.

Anyone who has experienced abuse at the hands of their partners can call the Domestic Violence Helpline for free on 0808 2000 247, or Clackmannanshire Women's Aid on 01259 721 407.

More information on the support offered by Women's Aid can be found at clackswomensaid.org.uk/support-for-women