A BARRHEAD boxer has lived to fight another day after he was spared jail over a rammy following a bust-up with his ex-girlfriend.

Ryan Downer, 23, saw red after allegedly being sent a picture of his child’s toy covered in white powder.

He went to the home of his ex-girlfriend, Caitlin O’Donnell, and embarked on a rampage that led to his arrest and facing a possible jail term.

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He attended Ms O’Donnell’s home in Newton Avenue, Barrhead, on May 5, refused to leave and then yelled offensive remarks at Ms O’Donnell, in an offence aggravated by the abuse of his ex-partner. 

Downer, of Dunterlie Court, Barrhead, faced being jailed for 18 months for the offence but was thrown a lifeline by a sheriff after his lawyer outlined the background to the offence.

Defence solicitor Terry Gallanagh told Paisley Sheriff Court: “He absolutely accepts he could go to jail today. 

“He realises this, due to the quantity and the severity of the charges before the court. He realises he can’t act in this fashion.

“He was sent a photograph of what looked liked white powder on a child’s toy with words along the lines of, ‘having a party’. He attended and there were two men in the house and he accepts there was a dispute. 

“It was born out of concern for the child. 

“He had basically let his life slip but he seems to be on the right track now.”

Downer also appeared in the dock to be sentenced for another case in which he abused Ms O’Donnell after going to her home in the early hours of the morning in March, battering on a window and shouting and swearing.

Sheriff Lindsey Kooner could have caged Downer for a total of 36 moths for the two charges but she opted to allow him leniency.

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She placed him on a year-long Community Payback Order for the May offence, which will see him supervised by social workers and carrying out 245 hours’ unpaid work in eight months.

He was also placed on a 12-month Non-Harassment Order which sees him banned from approaching or contacting Ms O’Donnell.

Sentence for the March offence was adjourned until later in the year for Downer to be of good behaviour.

Downer was also spared jail last year for a rammy with Ms O’Donnell.