A MAN who went to a Garelochhead pub with his partner to try and sort out his relationship was branded a “drunken thug” by a sheriff.

David Blair, 33, pleaded guilty minutes before going on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court.

Blair admitted to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at the Anchor Inn Public House, on June 3, this year.

The court heard on Friday, October 5 how he was shouting and swearing and acting in an aggressive manner and put his partner in a state of fear and alarm.

Prosecutor Sarah Healing told the court: “They went to the Anchor Inn at 7pm and initially they were in good spirits and were relatively happy.

“The situation changed as alcohol was consumed when they began niggling at each other. A member of staff kept a close eye on them as they continued to drink alcohol.

“After consuming a number of ‘shots’ they left the pub part of the area. Blair was shouting and swearing and behaving aggressively, which attracted the attention of a neighbour walking her dog. He behaved so aggressively that police were called at 12.40am.

“She was in a distressed state and he was taken to Clydebank police office.”

Blair’s defence lawyer said: “They had been in a relationship for two years, which was turbulent, so this trip to Garelochhead was make or break.

“He accepts his responsibility for his actions, but it was not a one-sided dispute. He is remorseful for his actions and accepts he could have behaved in another manner.

“It has been his position since the outset that she threw a pint glass at him, but the Crown don’t accept that. His record does not make for good reading.

“In January he was put on a drug treatment and testing order. There was a relapse, but he’s now back on track. He is fit to do unpaid work or be put on a restriction of liberty order.”

Sheriff John Hamilton told Blair, of Dunbeth Court, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire: “You acted in a controlling, jealous and obnoxious fashion. You were the one with the problem. You started this and then tried to blame your partner.

“Your record is atrocious with three convictions for assault to injury and one for assault to permanent disfigurement. You have a record for violence and drugs.

“I am not impressed by your conduct. You are a man of extreme violence who has served lengthy sentences and used weapons.”

Blair was put on a five months tagging order, ordering him to remain at home each day between 7pm and 7am.