A DUNFERMLINE man assaulted his partner and then threatened an innocent woman who was trying to help.

Declan Cameron had been arguing with his partner at Dunfermline Public Park when he pushed her to the ground.

A female passer-by tried to intervene but Cameron then turned on her.

Cameron, 25, of Mackie Place, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court for sentencing.

He previously admitted that on August 17, at Dunfermline Public Park, Viewfield Terrace, he assaulted his partner and pushed her on the body, causing her to fall to the ground.

Also, he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner which was likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm in that he acted in an aggressive manner, shouted and swore at his partner and another female.

Depute fiscal Dev Kapadia explained that, shortly before the incident, a call was made to the police by a member of the public who'd noticed there was a female on the flyover at Dunfermline Public Park.

Cameron and his partner appear to have been arguing about money for most of the day as they were unable to pay for food and electricity.

They had tried to pawn an old watch but had unfortunately been unable to sell it and then went back to their flat.

At 3.45pm, they ended up on St Margaret's Drive and began arguing.

A witness nearby heard voices and looked up to see the victim on the ground and Cameron by her side, standing over her.

The court was told it looked like he grabbed her and the complainer called out for help.

The witness then told Cameron to stop but he replied: "What the f*** are you going to do about it?" as he walked towards the witness in an aggressive manner.

This caused the witness to shout for help several times to attract attention.

The complainer stopped Cameron and the witness then made sure that Cameron's partner was OK before saying she was going to call the police.

The couple then walked off but police caught up with them at 4.05pm.

Cameron walked towards police with his arms out in front of him and admitted there had been an argument, that he had been heavy-handed and pushed the victim to the ground.

The complainer was upset and confirmed what Cameron had said.

Defence solicitor James Moncrieff said: "In interview, he said he had planned to say sorry to both the complainer and witness.

"He is remorseful for his behaviour and said he should have walked away from the situation.

"They are no longer in a relationship."

Sheriff James Macdonald said: "What concerns me is that although he does not have a domestic offence, he does have previous convictions for violence."

The sheriff deferred sentence for six months for good behaviour.