A HELENSBURGH man has been condemned by a sheriff for subjecting his on-off partner to "utterly despicable” levels of domestic abuse.

Ronald Qua, of West Clyde Street, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on March 19 for sentencing over his behaviour last month.

The 27-year-old previously pleaded guilty to acting in aggressive manner towards the victim, repeatedly refusing to leave her home, and making threats and derogatory remarks.

The incident began on the night of Thursday, February 8, and continued into the early hours of the following day, at a property in Buchanan Road.

The court was told that on the evening of February 8, Qua asked the woman if he could stay the night.

His partner refused and said he could stay until 10pm. When 10pm arrived, he refused to leave, and said he would stay until 11.

At 10.05pm the woman again asked him to leave, and he became verbally abusive.

He followed her into the bedroom and there was at least 45-60 minutes of interaction between the pair before he returned to the living room and began drinking alcohol.

Around 11pm, the woman again asked him to leave.

According to the fiscal depute, Qua replied telling the woman “she would need to get a restraining order” before he would leave.

The woman made clear the pair’s romantic relationship was over but Qua still didn't leave.

He called her derogatory terms such as "sl****r", "tramp" and "unf***able”.

Defence solicitor Kenny McGowan said: "It's a narrative that makes for unpleasant listening. The relationship was on and off for some seven years.

"It is regrettable he has got himself into this condition.

"He doesn't entirely recall what occurred, but expressed his shame.

"He does have insight into his own difficulties."

Sheriff William Gallacher described it as "utterly despicable, abusive behaviour".

He noted that Qua had been put on two community payback orders for previous offences, and that the latest offence was committed after the most recent of those orders had come to an end.

The sheriff said he would “need to be persuaded” not to send Qua to prison.

Condemning the “unpleasant, vile abuse”, Sheriff Gallacher told Qua: "What you did to her was despicable.

“It was the definition of abuse, the definition of utter contempt.

"As of now, you should not be anywhere near this person."

Sentence was deferred until later this month.