A SPURNED man 'got in the face' of his ex-partner during a foul-mouthed rant after hearing she'd started a new relationship — three years after their split.

Craig Mitchell committed the threatening and abusive behaviour offence in the presence of a seven-year-old child, Greenock Sheriff Court was told.

The 28-year-old — who was allowed into his ex's home to sleep on the sofa — flew into a rage after waking up and ignoring her pleas for him to leave.

Prosecutor Lindy Scaife said: "The complainer and the accused are ex-partners and separated three years previously.

"He attended at the locus under the influence of alcohol, looking to stay the night, and was allowed to sleep on the couch.

"The accused later began to verbally abuse the the complainer, swearing and referring to her in derogatory terms.

"This was in relation to the complainer having started a new relationship."

Fiscal depute Ms Scaife added: "The accused was behaving aggressively and his face was in her face.

"She pleaded with him to leave and he refused.

"She contacted her sister, crying, and her sister heard shouting in the background and contacted the police."

Mitchell, of Gourock Ropeworks, Port Glasgow, pleaded guilty to shouting and swearing at the woman, acting in an abusive and aggressive manner and repeatedly striking a door.

He committed the offence at a property at Main Street, Inverkip, of May 26.

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher said: "Mr Mitchell doesn't seek to excuse his behaviour in any way.

"He has indicated that he is full of regret and acknowledges that his behaviour was completely unacceptable. There is full regret on his part.

"He is assessed as being a low risk of reoffending."

Sheriff Derek Hamilton placed Mitchell on an electronic tag to remain within his home between 7pm and 7am each day for three months.