Ross Gillan, 27, left his panic-stricken ex-partner hyperventilating after flying into a rage at her home on Boxing Day last year.

He grabbed a mobile phone from her hand as she tried to call police in the midst of his foul-mouthed tirade within the property in Greenock’s Ardgowan Street.

Prosecutor Pamela Brady told the town’s sheriff court how Gillan’s four-year relationship with the woman had ended before the frightening incident.

The fiscal depute said: “The complainer and her child were at home when she received a phone call from the accused stating that he was coming over to see his son.

“He was under the influence of alcohol, was agitated and became angry.

“Things escalated on his arrival and he pulled off the top part of the Christmas tree and threw it to the ground.

“The complainer stated that his behaviour was unacceptable and attempted to call the police with her mobile phone, but the accused took the device from her.

“The complainer asked him to leave, but his aggressive behaviour continued.

“The complainer became increasingly concerned and shouted for help. She began to hyperventilate and was struggling to breathe.” Mrs Brady added: “An anonymous call from another person was made to the police.

“Officers found the complainer in an extremely distressed state and with her son in her arms.

“The tree was strewn around the living room. The accused was detained later.” Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher described the incident as ‘unsavoury’.

He said: “Mr Gillan has made a catalogue of mistakes, particularly in front of his son.

“He accepts the distress he has caused to his ex-partner and their child.” Sheriff Ian Fleming, inset, told Gillan: “You didn’t set much of an example to your child, did you?

“It is rather charitable to say that this was unsavoury. In my view it was utterly reprehensible.” Gillan, of Custom House Way in Greenock, was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

He was also placed under supervision for a year as a direct alternative to custody.