A man who was threatening and abusive towards his partner after getting drunk at his dad’s funeral has been given a second chance.

John McDonald, of Kilwinning’s Orchid Place , appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week and pled guilty to one charge.

His plea of not guilty to a second charge was accepted by the prosecutor. The court heard that McDonald, 51, and the complainer had been in a relationship for 10 years at the time of the offence.

The couple attended McDonald’s father’s funeral at around 12pm on March 14, 2018.

McDonald consumed alcohol throughout the day. McDonald’s partner left to go back home in Irvine, telling the 51-year-old that he was not welcome at home due to the amount of drink he had consumed.

That evening, at around 11pm, the woman was at home when she heard a loud banging coming from the front door.

She saw that it was McDonald.

He was shouting: “Open the door or I’ll put the f*****’ windows in.” McDonald continued to bang on the door. He then went round to the rear of the property, again demanding to be let in.

The woman opened the door due to fear the neighbours might be woken up by the noise.

McDonald pushed his way in and refused to leave. The woman contacted police who attended. McDonald was arrested and taken to the police station. He was cautioned and charged and made no reply.

Defending McDonald, solicitor Colin McLaughlin said that he had spoken with the complainer and that he understood that the relationship was to continue.

Mr McLaughlin added: “It was the funeral, he was upset and drank too much. “She said he couldn’t come back in that state. He had nowhere else to go but back home.

“He’s 51, a limited record , nothing analogous.”

Sheriff Iona McDonald told the accused: “I’ve listened to what Mr McLauchlan’s said on your behalf.

“Mr McDonald, a sad day made worse by your actions. You should listen to people, take advice.

“I ’m going to defer sentence on you for six months for you to be of good behaviour. You will be placed on standard bail conditions.”

Sentence was deferred until November 19.