A COURT heard how a man tried to throttle his ex when he pushed her against a wall and put his hands around her neck and compressed it.

James McInally, 29, of Dalmuir Court, Clydebank, committed the offence on February 1, 2018, at a property in Attlee Place, Linnvale.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard last Friday how McInally also smashed her mobile phone against a wall.

Prosecutor Sarah Healing said: “They had been in a 10-year relationship. At 1pm on February 1, he was outside the flat and was not permitted entry.

“He returned at 10pm and was allowed in to discuss their relationship. An argument developed and he put his hand around her neck. She attempted to call the police. He took hold of her phone and smashed it against a wall. He fled from the house. Police were contacted and when they arrived saw marks on her neck.”

Defence lawyer Scott Adair said: “His behaviour could well merit a custodial sentence.”

Sheriff John Hamilton told McInally: “This was not impressive. Your record would fully justify me sending you to prison... but I won’t.”

McInally was put on a community payback order, including 12 months’ supervision, and must attend the Pair Programme for people guilty of domestic violence.

He was also ordered to carry out 230 hours’ unpaid work within nine months and ordained to appear in court again on November 9 for a community payback order review.