A MUAY Thai boxer who smashed up a house during a row about whether or not he was the dad of his pregnant girlfriend’s child has been told to seek help for his drink and drug issues.

Barrhead man Ryan Downer, 23, lost the plot during a row with Caitlin O’Donnell, who was 16 weeks pregnant.

He claims he was overcome with emotion due to losing his job and one of his best friends at a time when he was also worried about whether or not he was the real dad of Ms O’Donnell’s baby.

The details emerged when Downer – a talented Muay Thai fighter who has boxed internationally – appeared in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to threatening or abusive behaviour and breaking bail conditions banning him from approaching or contacting his ex.

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A charge he had assaulted 20-year-old Ms O’Donnell by throwing household items at her was dropped.

Procurator fiscal depute Frankie Morgan told the court: “She had been in a relationship with the accused for approximately four months and, at that time, was 16 weeks pregnant with the accused’s child.”

Downer had lost his job on June 1 and was struggling with the sudden death of one of his friends.

Mr Morgan added: “On June 2, the accused arrived home and was in what appeared to be a fit of rage and was heavily intoxicated.

“An argument ensued between the accused and the complainer and such was the argument that neighbours were aware of the sound of shouting and banging noises.”

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Downer ripped a glass shelf off the wall during the bust-up, leading to Ms O’Donnell yelling to neighbours for help.

The police were called and Downer was detained. 

He was given bail conditions not to contact Ms O’Donnell but was seen with her on July 5.

Defence solicitor Terry Gallanagh said: “He had lost his job, his pal had passed away and he was also concerned regarding whether he was the father of the child.

“They had been together for four months and he thought they were going for a 12-week scan but the doctor told them the baby showed signs of being 16 weeks.

“That gave him great concern. He has been told the baby is not his and his contention is that the relationship is completely at an end and there will be no further contact between them.”

Mr Gallanagh said Downer had broken his bail conditions because he “wanted to do right by his son” but is now keen to move on after finding out he was not the father.

Sheriff James Spy spared Downer prison after pointing out he has a conviction for assaulting a previous partner.

He placed him on a 12-month payback order to attend alcohol and drug counselling, when directed by a social work supervisor, and to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within 10 months.