A COWDENBEATH man has admitted a violent attack on his ex-partner in the presence of a child.

The woman was grabbed by the throat and hair then kicked during the incident.

Barry McAully, 33, of Netherton Road, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He previously admitted that on March 8 at his home, he assaulted his ex-partner by grabbing her throat, pulling her by the hair and kicking her.

Depute fiscal Katherine Fraser said the incident occurred when the victim went to their home to drop off their child.

She had gone upstairs to collect some of her belongings and heard McAully saying he was going to “trash her car” because it was parked across his driveway.

She was concerned by his comments and began to record his behaviour on her mobile phone.

McAully then grabbed her by the hair, pushing her head backwards.

There was then an argument over money and the sale of their property.

As she began to walk downstairs, she was kicked by McAully and again pulled by the hair.

Defence solicitor Chris Sneddon said his client had been “frustrated” by his ex-partner’s behaviour believing she was being “difficult” after their separation.

“He reacted in completely the wrong way and accepts that,” he added.

Sheriff Charles MacNair imposed a community payback order with 115 hours of unpaid work.