A HELENSBURGH man who subjected his partner to "utterly despicable abuse" will be watched closely by social workers - but has been allowed to go on having contact with his victim.

Ronald Qua, of West Clyde Street, previously pleaded guilty to acting in an aggressive manner, repeatedly refusing to leave, uttering derogatory remarks and uttering threats to the woman.

The incident happened on February 8 into 9 at a property in Buchanan Road. It was aggravated by being against a partner or ex.

Qua, 27, returned to Dumbarton Sheriff Court on March 28 after sentencing was deferred from the previous week to find out if the victim of his behaviour wanted a 'non-harassment order' put in place.

That would have prevented Qua approaching, contacting or trying to approach or contact her in any way.

But the sentencing hearing was told the woman did not want such an order to be imposed.

Earlier in March, the court heard how Qua asked the woman if he could stay the night of February 8. She refused and say he could only stay until 10pm. When 10pm passed, he refused to go and say he would stay until 11 o'clock.

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

At 11pm, again asking Qua to leave, he replied that "she would need to get a restraining order".

He called her derogatory names such as 'tramp'.

Sheriff William Gallacher blasted Qua for what he described as "unpleasant, vile abuse" and that what he did was "utterly despicable, abusive behaviour".

At the hearing on March 28, defence solicitor Stephen McGuire said his client had "no real explanation for it".

He said the only explanation was "excessive consumption of alcohol", but that that was an explanation, not an excuse.

Mr McGuire said it appeared Qua was taking steps to address his issues.

Sheriff Gallacher imposed a community payback order with 18 months of supervision by social workers.

He did not impose a non-harassment order, but warned Qua: "That doesn't mean you can behave any way you like."