A CARDENDEN mum who threatened a couple following a Facebook post has been placed on a tag.

Karen Cunningham believed her own character was being called into question after a Facebook post that related to an incident involving her ex-partner.

Tensions were high in the community and her ex-partner was subsequently charged with serious offences.

Cunningham, 37, of Main Road, Cardenden, previously admitted that on May 26, at Craigside Road, she sent text messages to a male that were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character, in that she repeatedly uttered threats of violence.

Also, on May 27, at Craigside Road, she sent messages to a female that were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character in that she repeatedly threatened her with violence.

Depute fiscal, Alistair McDermott, explained that the female witness, Ms O'Neil, had put a post on Facebook about an incident that had happened in Cardenden the day before, but no names were mentioned in the text.

"There were community tensions due to that incident," said Mr McDermott.

Cunningham then sent a message to the male witness, Mr Downie, that was making threats of violence towards Ms O'Neil.

It read: "Tell that ginger, pipe f*** down or I will rag doll it about the street."

Cunningham also directed abuse towards Mr Downie and when asked why she was threatening Ms O'Neil, sent more threatening and abusive messages in response. Police were contacted over the matter.

Defence solicitor, Stephen Morrison, explained that Mr Downie is his client's ex-partner and father of her youngest child, and Ms O'Neil is his current partner.

Cunningham believed what was posted on Facebook referred to her then partner.

Mr Morrison said: "After her ex-partner was charged with some serious offences, Ms Cunningham believed her own character was being called into question.

"There were also messages coming back.

"She is embarrassed and seems to be genuine."

Sheriff Charles Macnair said: "On May 8 you were made subject to a community payback order over an offence of assault to severe injury.

"Within three weeks you then sent abusive and threatening texts to a former partner and his partner.

"A text threatening violence from someone who has just been sentenced for violence can not just be ignored.

"You have established that you can inflict considerable violence."

The Sheriff imposed 12 months of supervision and a restriction of liberty order for 100 days.