A DRUNK man tried to claim that he pushed his partner in self-defence in Clydebank, a court heard.

David Graham, 63, previously pleaded guilty at Dumbarton Sheriff Court to assaulting his now ex by pushing her and causing her to fall at his home in Duncombe View on March 16 this year.

He also admitted to breaching his bail conditions on May 3 and again on July 8 when he was found in her company.

It was explained in court on August 1 by fiscal depute Laura Martin that Graham was intoxicated on both occasions when he breached bail.

Judith Reid, defending, said: "I think it is a sad situation. They were partners and drinking companions. I think there are some concerns to address regarding his comment that it was self-defence and I can say that it is accepted that both parties were intoxicated and he was really in no state to judge that.

"It remains his position that she assaulted him first but he recognises he should have left the situation. The offence took place in his own house but he actually had to leave his house to phone the police to get back into his own house.

"He still drinks to the effect described in the [social work] report. He tells me he would be a lot worse if he didn't see any benefit [to visiting the community addiction team].

"The recommendation of a community payback order with supervision would at least cement that and make sure as much support would be put into place as possible. Clearly, his mental health is extremely poor."

Sheriff Clair McLachlan said: "Given the terms of the report there is an obvious focus for supervision."

He was placed on a community payback order for 12 months under social work supervision and fined £500.

Graham was allowed to pay the fine back at £50 per month.