A MAN has been found guilty of assault on his former partner and ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.

Terry Murphy from Crandleyhill Road, Prestwick, was found guilty of the assault earlier this week at Ayr Sherriff Court.

The 32-year-old went into their kitchen and began causing a disturbance over his partner at the time’s mobile phone in September of this year.

During the confrontation, Murphy grabbed his girlfriend by the neck and throw her to the floor in front of the witness’s seven-year-old child who was struck with an ironing board as a result of the melee.

Murphy then continued to shout and behave in an aggressive and threatening manner before lodging his partners arm between a door.

Murphy applied pressure do the door after his girlfriend had reached her arm to open the door and therefore jamming it in between the door and the frame.

He then returned to the living room with the witness and threw a pair of steel two capped boots at her.

Mr Gillies representing Murphy explained that since the incident he has now been working at improving his behaviour. He said: “This was completely out of character and they both did not handle the situation well.

“He is a hard-working individual but understands that there was no excuse for his behaviour and is fully aware that it should not have happened. He is taking steps to improve his behaviour and realises the seriousness of the situation.”

Sherriff Mhari Mactaggart said: “This is a serious incident and could merit a custodial sentence.

“I am not going to call you back for a review, but you must comply with the order. I need to stress that this is an alternative to custody.”

Murphy was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work that was reduced from 160 after a guilty plea. He was also put under supervision for a period of twelve months.