A MAN who seized his partner by the neck and lifted her off the ground dodged jail after the attack.

Mark McLeod, 51, was found guilty of assault and threatening abusive behaviour in Moor Road in Ayr on April 24 last year.

He repeatedly shouted and swore at the woman as well as using abusive language and making threats of violence.

He also seized hold of her by the throat and lifted her off the floor causing her to scream before charging towards her.

Both charges were aggravated by involving abuse to an ex partner.

McLeod also shouted and swore at police officers as well as tensing his arms and pulling away from them while resisting arrest.

At a sentencing hearing at Ayr Sheriff Court last week, McLeod’s defence solicitor told Sheriff Siobhan Connolly: “He is a 51-year-old working in private coach hire management.

“He earns £400 a week and is living with his daughter.

“In sentencing, I would hope to invite my lady to consider a community based disposal – although custody is an option.”

Sheriff Connolly told McLeod his attack involved a ‘significant level of violence’ and was ‘unacceptable behaviour’.

She said: “This is the type of behaviour for which the court can consider a custodial sentence.”

He was placed on a community payback order and under supervision for 18 months and 200 hours unpaid work.

McLeod, currently of Egilsay Crescent, Glasgow, was also given a two-year non harassment order banning him contacting, approaching or attempting to contact or approach the victim of his vicious attack.

Sheriff Connolly told McLeod: “Please be aware any repeat in behaviour like this could result in a custodial sentence on the next occasion.”

To report a crime in Ayrshire, call Police Scotland on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.