A KELTY man has been found guilty of assaulting his partner in an incident he described as a “joke”.

James McHale put a cable up at the woman’s neck and said “die, die”.

At a trial at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, the victim said she “froze” during the incident.

James McHale, 30, of Seafar Drive, was found guilty of a charge that on August 5, at his home, he assaulted his then partner by placing a cable at her neck while making threats of violence towards her.

McHale said he had been drinking and was dancing about his living room when he put the cable up at her neck as a joke.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf asked him what was funny about his actions.

“Looking back now there was nothing funny about it,” answered McHale.

Although he admitted putting the cable against her neck he denied saying “die, die” at the same time.

However, Sheriff Charles MacNair found that he did this and also found him guilty of the charge.

The sheriff called for reports and McHale will be sentenced on April 18.