A MOUNTBLOW man has been ordered to carry out unpaid work in the community and stay away from his ex-girlfriend after battering her at home last year.

Dean Todd, who lives in Perth Crescent, was spared a prison sentence after appearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last Tuesday.

The court heard Todd, 23, had been in an on-off relationship with his victim, with whom he has a young child.

On October 19, Todd left home for work while his partner remained at home, consuming alcohol throughout the day.

Further drink, including Dragon Soop and Buckfast, was consumed after Todd arrived back from work in the afternoon, before an argument ensued which then became physical.

Fiscal depute Emma Petterson told the hearing: “The accused punched the complainer repeatedly to the left side of her face and kicked her to the ribs twice.

“The complainer tried to escape by kicking her legs and swinging her arms but was unable to do so.

“She eventually grabbed both of the accused’s testicles, allowing her the chance to get away and run out of the building into a nearby shop.”

Noticing the woman’s fresh injuries and her forehead covered in blood, the shopkeeper called police.

Todd told officers: “She attacked me. She hit me first, I was just trying to restrain her.”

Todd was noted as having a slight laceration on a finger on his right hand, while the woman suffered swelling to her face.

On being charged with assault, Todd replied: “Ridiculous, man.”

Defence solicitor Gail Campbell said: “He was shown pictures of the injuries afterwards, and his demeanour when he saw that, sober and in the cold light of day, demonstrated the horror of what he had done.”

Addressing Todd, Sheriff John Hamilton said: “This is deeply unimpressive.”

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The sheriff imposed a community payback order of 260 hours of unpaid work, to be completed within six months, as a direct alternative to custody.

Todd also received a non-harassment order for a period of three years, during which he must not have any contact with his ex-partner, and he is required to attend a supervised care programme.