A MAN punched his former partner during an argument in Alloa.

Craig Mortimer, 39, said he been assaulted by her before lashing out in retaliation.

Mortimer, of Hallside Crescent, Cambuslang, appeared for sentencing at Alloa Sheriff Court.

On March 28 last year, at Kent Road, Alloa, acting under provocation, he assaulted his former partner, punched her on the head, knocked her to the ground and seized her by the body, to her injury.

Depute fiscal Rachel Wallace said there had been an argument between the couple then he punched her and she fell to the floor. She got to her knees and he grabbed her, before he left the property.

Defence solicitor Kelly Howe said: "She had been violent to him and he reacted to that.

"He describes himself as being terrible in relationships. On this occasion he lost his temper and reacted in a way he deeply regrets."

Sheriff Craig Harris told Mortimer: "Notwithstanding the provocation, the fact you lifted your hands is unacceptable."

He imposed a community payback order for two years with participation in the Caledonian programme for domestic offenders.