A BALLINGRY man who repeatedly sent his former partner abusive text messages after an "abrupt" end to their relationship was placed on a community payback order this week.

Appearing for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Wednesday, Shaun Rafferty, 44, of Martin Crescent, had previously admitted that between July 1 and July 10, he engaged in a course of conduct which caused the woman fear or alarm by repeatedly sending her text messages in which he uttered offensive remarks, swore and stated he was watching her.

Defence solicitor, Ian Beatson, said the couple had been in a relationship for about three years.

"This came to an end somewhat abruptly and it seems he was upset about this and, when he didn't get responses to text messages, the texts increased their abusiveness," he said.

"He accepts full responsibility for what he has done. He appreciates she was distressed by this."

Sheriff Alastair Thornton placed Rafferty on a community payback order with supervision for two years and a requirement to take part in a domestic abuse programme. As part of the order, he was also told not to contact or approach his former partner.