A FAMILY dispute which saw a woman barricading herself in her room in fear ended in a Court appearance for Ballingry man Frank Hepburn.

Appearing for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Wednesday, Hepburn (32) had earlier admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner which was likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm by repeatedly banking on a door, shouting, swearing and uttering threats at a house in Fairnsdale Terrace on February 11.

He also admitted assaulting his sister by headbutting her on the same date.

Depute Fiscal, Dev Kapadia, said Hepburn's family relationship was described as quite tense and there had been issues between him and the mother and sister.

On the night of the incident, Hepburn had phoned his mother and asked her for some cigarettes.

After concern about his coming to the home, he was not allowed inside the house. He shouted at this and went away before returning a short while later when he banged on the front door.

He was then allowed in but continued behaving in an aggressive manner. Concerned for her safety, his sister ran to her bedroom and barricaded herself in by moving a chest of drawers behind the door.

After he continued to shout and swear, police were called. He was found climbing a fence to escape and a police officer grabbed hold of Hepburn which resulted in a struggle.

During the struggle, he saw his sister and, after screaming "it's all your fault", lunged at her and headbutted her.

Solicitor, Gordon Martin, said his client appeared to accept responsibility for his actions and was also of the view that he owed his family members an apology.

Sheriff Charles Macnair deferred sentence until April 6 for the production of a medical report.