A WEE COUNTY man has avoided a jail term for domestic abuse which lasted for more than two years in Clackmannan.

Colin McConaghie, of High Street, Airth, appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court and admitted that between April 1, 2019, and July 30, 2021 at South Pilmuir Road, Clackmannan, he engaged in a course of abusive conduct towards his ex-partner.

He repeatedly behaved in an aggressive manner, shouted, swore and made abusive remarks and threats towards her and children.

The 32-year-old also threw household items, repeatedly punched walls, kicked doors and pulled doors from their hinges.

He struck her on the head with his hand causing her to fall to the floor and pushed her on the body.

The accused also threatened to harm himself, took possession of a knife, placed it in her hand and threatened to make her cut his neck.

He repeatedly phoned her and sent her social media messages demanding to know her whereabouts and who she was with, questioned her relationships with other males and sent photos of self-inflicted injuries.

Depute fiscal Ramsay Cunningham said McConaghie and the woman had been in a 12-year relationship which ended in 2020.

McConaghie was frequently verbally abusive to his partner calling her names, which was sometimes overheard by neighbours.

On one occasion, he lost his temper and started punching holes in walls, hitting doors and throwing items about the house.

McConaghie had remained living in the house for several months after the couple split up.

In March 2021, there was a row between the two and he was told to leave. McConaghie reacted by striking the woman to the face, causing her to fall.

This assault was seen by a child, the court heard.

In a later incident, McConaghie said he was going to kill himself and grabbed a knife in the kitchen.

He put the knife in the woman's hand and said: "I'll make you slit my throat then you'll go to jail for it."

Sheriff Neil Bowie told McConaghie he fully deserved to go to prison for his behaviour.

However, instead of that, he imposed a community payback order with 30 months of supervision, participation in the Caledonian Programme for domestic offenders and 300 hours of unpaid work.

McConaghie was also made subject to non-harassment orders, lasting three years for his ex-partner and six months for the children involved.