A MAN who punched a TV when his ex asked him to get ready has been told he needs to control his temper.

Paul Laughlin, of York Street, Clydebank, previously admitted damaging property and punching his former partner on the head on December 27 last year.

The then 19-year-old had stayed overnight with the woman at a property in John Knox Street and that day were was getting children ready to go out.

Around 2pm, the woman asked her ex to get ready and he shouted: “You don’t love me” before punching the TV, then turning and punching her to the face.

Fiscal depute Aga Mathieson told Dumbarton Sheriff Court: “The complainer put her arms over her face, shielding herself, then ran to the bedroom where she was still shielding her face. Police were contacted.”

There was no suggestion she was injured, noted Sheriff Maxwell Hendry.

Defence solicitor Phil Lafferty said: “Issues have affected his ability to deal coolly and rationally. I’m not seeking to underplay a nasty situation.

“The relationship between parties is they maintain a relationship because they have a young children together and he is actively involved in parenting.”

Sheriff Hendry said: “I will give him this opportunity but I’m not sure I will give him many more.”

Turning to Laughlin he said: “You’re 20. This is your second conviction for hitting people. If you don’t learn to control your temper and deal with situations, even if you find them challenging, if you continue to lash out using violence, then you will end up in prison sooner rather than later.”

Laughlin was ordered to be supervised for 18 months and carry out 120 hours of unpaid work in the community within the next six months.