A HELENSBURGH man who sent offensive messages to his former partner has been blasted by a sheriff for failing to turn up to a social work appointment.

Darren Pinner shouted, swore and uttered threats towards his ex in the course of the incident at the town's Commodore Hotel on April 17.

Pinner, 30, of West Princes Street, appeared in court for sentencing on Friday after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to shouting, swearing and uttering threats in the course of sending messages that were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.

Sentence had been deferred on that earlier date for a criminal justice social work report to be prepared – but Pinner's lawyer told the court on Friday that the report was not available.

Solicitor Gerry Lee told Dumbarton Sheriff Court that social workers had sent his client a letter dated April 21 asking him to attend an interview for the preparation of the report.

Mr Lee said: “It's his position that he never received it. He has no intention of avoiding this matter in any way.”

Sheriff William Gallacher replied: “He appeared before me. I know what I said to him: I would release him on bail on condition that he must make himself available. He hasn't.

“I made it clear that the social work department is under overwhelming pressure to produdce reports. It is utterly unacceptable that the court and social work department are put in that situation.”

Turning to address Pinner directly, the sheriff said: “You appeared before me and pleaded guilty, and I deferrred sentence. I released you on bail.

“You have utterly disregarded a condition of bail. You didn't go to the social work department. You didn't contact them. You didn't contact your lawyer.

“You appeared before me with only one conviction, dating back to 2012, which involved no breach of bail.

“That fact alone persuades me I'm not going to remand you in custody today, but you're within a hair's breadth of it.

“Even if you have to camp outside the door of the social work department to be seen, you will be seen.”

The case was adjourned until May 31 for the report previously ordered to be prepared.