A “TOXIC relationship” had left a West Fife man at “rock bottom”, a court has heard.

Craig Daley, 44, formerly of Findlay Street, Rosyth, and now of Kelty, appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted a string of breaches of bail conditions and repeatedly ignored court orders not to contact his partner.

During one of the confrontations between the couple, Daley sustained a bad cut to his head and had to be taken to hospital.

The breaches took place on May 25, at an address in Dunfermline, on July 7, at an address in Rosyth, and on July 29 and August 15 at an address in Dunfermline.

Daley also admitted that on August 15, at an address in Dunfermline, he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, swearing and refusing to leave despite repeated requests to do so.

Depute fiscal Alex Kirk said: “A toxic relationship would appear to be an appropriate description.

“The police report says that the accused appears to be a man who has fallen on hard times.

“The police also say he seems to be suffering from alcoholism and depression with the complainer also suffering from alcohol dependency.”

Defence solicitor David McLaughlin said his client had gone on a downhill spiral in the past year, having previously been in work and with only one road traffic offence.

“He’s become completely and utterly at the mercy of alcohol. He’s at an absolute nadir. He’s hit rock bottom,” he added.

Sheriff Derek Reekie said: “He keeps going back for more.”

Mr McLauglin said the relationship was now over. He said his client had lost his home in Rosyth after his partner smashed a window there and he was going to be living with his mum in Kelty.

Sheriff Reekie imposed a community payback order with 18 months’ supervision.