James Jeffrey insulted the mother of his two children at their former home in Helensburgh, on February 20 this year.

His frightened partner had to usher the children out of the house and a neighbour took them indoors away from their ranting dad whilst the police were called.

Jeffrey, who turns 41 on Friday, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court and admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, shouting and swearing at his partner, and pushing her.

The father, whose new address was given as Nursery Street, also admitted breaking bail conditions by contacting the victim again eight weeks later.

Fiscal depute Malcolm McLeod told the court that Jeffrey was first arrested after arriving home on February 20 at 5.30pm and losing the plot.

He explained: “She (his partner) told him to leave.

He refused and started shouting and swearing at her, calling her a ‘f****** cow’ and saying her kids weren’t even his.” The row ended with an altercation in the street between the accused and his partner, whilst a neighbour took the children into her house.

Police were called and arrested Jeffrey at the scene.

He was released on bail on the condition that he did not approach or contact the victim. Police found him in her house again, but the court heard that the victim had invited him as they were reconciled and intend on getting married in future.

Jeffrey’s defence lawyer told the court he has addiction issues and is currently on a methadone programme.

She added: “Although having an extensive record, he does not have a history of this sort of matter. There is one matter in 2008 of a domestic nature but it doesn’t involve (the victim).

“He came home under the influence and he accepts he said some fairly vile things which he regrets.” Sheriff Simon Pender ordered Jeffrey to complete 180 hours of unpaid work in the community within eight months and placed him on supervision for 18 months. These orders will be reviewed in three months.