CAUSING a disturbance at his family home led to a Court appearance for one Lochgelly man this week.

Bernard Fitzpatrick, 34, of North Street, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

He had previously admitted that on July 20, he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner when he shouted, swore, refused to leave when asked to do so, uttered a threat of violence and repeatedly struck a door.

Depute Fiscal, Jade Doig, said Fitzpatrick and his former partner had been in a relationship for about 11 years and had two children.

He had been drinking with his then partner and his niece at around 2.30am when one of the children had got out of bed and asked for a drink of water as he said he had a headache.

"The accused's partner had given the boy some Calpol but because the accused didn't believe he was in pain, he started to shout and chastise him," she told the Court.

"Due to this, the accused's partner intervened and asked the accused to leave the property. An argument started. She was concerned about his temper and went into the children's bedroom. The accused at that stage was banging on the door. He was shouting and swearing."

Solicitor, Stephen Morrison, said his client knew his relationship with his former partner was breaking down.

"He thought he was going to lose the entire family and he sought solace in drink," he said.

"He accepts full responsibility and regrets his behaviour. He had a frank conversation with his son who has explained how such behaviour affected his son.

"Although he had some insight before, the penny has dropped as to the impact psychologically speaking such behaviour can cause."

Sheriff Derek Reekie deferred sentencing for four weeks for the production of reports to assess his suitability for the Caledonian Men's programme which looks at addressing domestic abuse issues.