A SOLICITOR told a court "petty jealousy" was the reason his client angrily confronted his partner at a Kilwinning home last month - and admitted the man is "ashamed" by his behaviour.

Tyler Hay, who lives in Aberdeen, has been in a long-distance relationship with the woman for around a year, Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard last week.

But the 27-year-old accepted a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards his girlfriend on September 9 by shouting and swearing at her and throwing items of clothing during an argument at a property in Glenapp Place.

The procurator fiscal depute told Thursday's (September 22) hearing that the couple had both consumed alcohol on the night of the incident and they planned to spend the weekend together.

Shortly after midnight, Hay began to question the woman about their relationship, before she went to bed to prevent further escalation.

The fiscal depute said: "He followed her and made efforts to wake her by placing his hands on the bed.

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"The argument continued and [Hay] was beginning to act in an erratic manner, pacing around the bedroom, removing her clothes from drawers and throwing them around the room.

"He stated in a raised, aggressive voice that she was having an affair."

Police were then contacted and officers arrived at the address at around 12.30am, finding the woman appearing to be upset and Hay upstairs in the bedroom with clothing scattered across the floor.

Hay told police: "Look, I'm sorry guys, we were arguing and I lost it with her."

Defence solicitor Peter Murray said: "He knows he has disgraced himself with his conduct on this night. They have an otherwise good relationship.

"Jealousy has played its part on this particular evening. Petty jealousy.

"He fully accepts his behaviour was disgraceful, he is totally ashamed."

Sheriff Alistair Watson deferred sentence for six months for Hay to be of good behaviour.