Greenock man who threatened ex's new boyfriend considers himself the 'victim'

GREENOCK MAN WHO THREATENED EX'S NEW BOYFRIEND CONSIDERS HIMSELF THE 'VICTIM'

A MAN who threatened to murder his ex's new boyfriend amid a bitter break-up considers himself the 'victim', Greenock Sheriff Court heard.

James Smith called his former partner of 15 years a 'fat cow' during a foul-mouthed 'phone rant and told police he issued the death threat because she was an unprintable name.

It is the 29-year-old's second domestically aggravated offence.

A sheriff has now warned him that if there is a third he will face 'immediate' imprisonment.

Prosecutor Ziad Ul Hassan said: "There were a number of issues and then there was a phone call from the accused, during which he began shouting and swearing angrily.

His ex-partner hung up and then there were messages on Whatsapp containing threats to kill her new partner.

The complainer attended at a neighbour's house and there was a further call from the accused during which he called her a 'fat cow'.

The accused also stated, 'The next time I see him I'm going to blow up his car'.

The conversation was recorded and police were informed.

Sheriff Thomas Ward told Smith: "This is the second time you have been convicted of a domestic offence.

The next time the chances are you will be sent to custody immediately." Smith, of Barnhill Street, has been ordered to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work within six months.

Sheriff Ward also imposed a non-harassment order barring him from approaching or contacting his ex-partner, or attempting to do so, for a period of two years.