A HELENSBURGH man who sent offensive messages to his ex has been banned from having any form of contact with her until 2024.

David Benning, of Fisher Place, previously admitted sending electronic messages to his ex that referred to her in derogatory terms.

Benning, 48, committed the offences between August 9 and 24, 2020.

His behaviour is regarded by the law as more serious because the victim was his former partner.

At Dumbarton Sheriff Court on October 22, Scott Adair, representing Benning, reiterated that his client was the one who had sent the messages.

READ MORE: Police investigating early morning 'assault' in centre of Helensburgh

Mr Adair told Sheriff William Gallacher: “There is a background, but he is the one in court and he is the one who pleaded guilty.”

Sheriff Gallacher said he was “anxious” about the case.

He added: “What I heard described was simply disgraceful. The denigration is horrendous.”

Benning, previously of Lansbury Street, Alexandria, was handed a community payback order as a direct alternative to prison, which will see him supervised by social workers for 12 months.

A non-harassment order preventing any contact with his ex was imposed for three years.