by Craig Borland

A MAN who pestered his ex-partner in person and on social media accusing her of cheating on him has been handed a community-based sentence – but warned that he could face prison if he fails to comply.

Colin Crichton committed the offences in July 2015 – but after pleading guilty, he then went AWOL for almost two years before finally handing himself into police.

Crichton, 30, admitted causing his former partner fear or alarm by shouting, swearing, trying to force entry to her home, following her down the street and then repeatedly sending her messages via Facebook.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard that Crichton went to the woman’s home in John Knox Street in Clydebank on July 7, 2015 and demanded entry.

Fiscal depute Martina McGuigan told last Friday’s court hearing: “The accused attempted to enter and pushed into the property.

“He began to demand that she explain why she had been cheating on him.

“The accused began to shout and utter derogatory comments and the complainer felt threatened by this and made her way downstairs towards her mother’s home.

“The accused followed her and continued to shout abuse despite the complainer asking him to leave her alone.”

Crichton’s former partner told police that Crichton had been sending her threatening and abusive messages via the social media network.

Jonathan Paul, defending, told the court: “There is a background to his actions, but he could have dealt with that in a more mature and responsible fashion.”

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry asked why Crichton had gone AWOL after admitting the offence.

On being told by Mr Paul that his client “thought [the case] had been dealt with, the sheriff said a letter had been sent to him by West Dunbartonshire Council’s social work department in September 2015.

The sheriff said: “He knew the ball was in his court, he knew he had to be in court on September 8. If that’s the best he can offer I simply can’t accept it.”

Mr Paul said: “He accepts that and apologises to the court. It’s led to him spending 17 days in custody. “He has only himself to blame for why he is on remand but he does wish to get on with his life.”

Crichton, of Eglinton Street in Beith, Ayrshire, was told to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work within three months.

Sheriff Hendry warned him that if he did not comply with the sentence he could face prison.