A MAN who attacked his partner by punching her in the face at his home in Ayr has been warned he’s on his last chance to avoid a jail term.

Andrew Dale, 36, appeared at the town’s sheriff court for sentencing last week after pleading guilty to assaulting his victim at a property in Philip Square on November 5 last year.

Prosecutors accepted Dale’s plea of not guilty to a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour at the Lloyds Pharmacy in the town’s Wellington Square.

The procurator fiscal depute told Sheriff Desmond Leslie: “Police had attended the locus due to charge one, which is no longer before the court.

“A neighbour approached police and told them they heard screams for help.

“Police were allowed entry by the accused. The complainer told police he had punched her in the face.”

Dale was taken to Kilmarnock police station where, the court heard, he told police “I didn’t hit her”.

He appeared in court in due course in connection with the offence and was remanded in custody.

Dale’s solicitor said: “He has spent a full month in custody so the punishment part of a sentence has essentially been served.”

Sheriff Leslie told Dale: “You have a terrible record – quite frankly atrocious at your age.

“It’s hardly surprising you were remanded in custody.”

“On this occasion I will deal with it by way of a community payback order.

“You will be back here on a three-month basis until I’m satisfied – for your benefit and the woman you assaulted.

“You are very much in ‘last chance’ territory.”

Dale was placed under supervision for two years.