A DRUMCHAPEL man who threatened to kill his former partner after she accused him of assaulting a young child has avoided jail time.

Anthony Petrucci appeared jubilant in the dock at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last Friday when he was told he would not be imprisoned for the threats towards the woman, with whom he shares two children, following a seven-and-a-half-year relationship.

Depute fiscal Craig Wainwright told the court Petrucci, of Summerhill Place, became embroiled in a dispute with his ex after he return his two young children to her care.

Mr Wainwright added: “She was unhappy at the level of care [of the children] and contacted him on his mobile phone.

“During the call, there was an exchange between them regarding the children’s welfare.

“He stated ‘I will murder you, I will f****** murder you. I will stab f*** out of you, do you know that?’ You’re dead’.”

Sheriff Ferguson said there were a number of “concerning incidents” in the 26-year-old’s past.

But his defence agent assured the allegation of assault against the minor was entirely false and Petrucci remains in contact with his children.

He added: “In terms of the allegation she put to him by telephone of a quite serious assault on a young child, he was released.

“The matter is completely at an end.

“He’s always had a very good record of employment. He’s fit and able. He’s in a new relationship.

“He works five days a week but I think he’s completed an unpaid work order before whilst working.”

Petrucci couldn’t contain his smile as he was sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work, to be completed within eight months, as opposed to prison time.

Sheriff Ferguson told Petrucci: “You do have some relevant previous convictions, all that’s a bit of a worry, it has to be said.

“I have decided there’s an alternative to custody.”