A THUG who brandished a bottle of Buckfast and a belt above his head during an argument with his ex-partner has avoided jail.

David O’Kane appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court from custody to be sentenced for four matters.

On October 24, 2020, the 23-year-old was spotted on Union Street by cops who had cause to speak with him. However, O’Kane ran off and was seen discarding a black and yellow Stanley knife.

He was caught and taken to Govan police office.

On September 13, last year, O’Kane turned up to his ex-partner’s home.

Fiscal depute Danielle McGuinness said: “At 5.30pm the witness was within her home when the accused attended to discuss child arrangements. At 7pm the witness asked him to leave, however, he became aggressive and verbally abusive towards her.

“He stated, ‘you’re a wee cow’ and ‘ya s**t'. He raised a belt and a bottle of Buckfast above his head but did not make any movement towards her.

“He was eventually moved out the front door and he began to punch and kick at the door whilst shouting and swearing. Police were called and attended, and he was seen making off.”

The following day, O’Kane was traced at his home and was cautioned and charged.

On December 16 last year, police were called to a home at Dechmont Street, Parkhead, following reports of a disturbance.

Ms McGuinness said: “At 11.40pm officers attended. They were granted access inside and two females were managing three children and attempting to put them to bed.

“The females admitted there had been shouting and children running around. Police were about to leave when they noticed a man behind the couch. They thought this was suspicious and requested his details.

“He gave a wrong name and date of birth. The accused was arrested. He refused to allow handcuffs to be applied. He was eventually put to the ground where he continued to lash out. Eventually, due to his behaviour and refusal to comply, incapacitant spray was deployed. The accused continued with his behaviour. Further police were requested, and he was eventually handcuffed and conveyed to a police office.”

In another incident on Union Street on February 22, 2020, O’Kane gave police false details and made sectarian remarks by calling officers “orange b******s”

His lawyer stated that he had been fitting a carpet at his ex-partner’s home on the night he was caught with the knife.

He added: “In relation to the incident with his ex-partner, he had been in a relationship with her for five years.

“He attended and they spoke for a while. An argument ensued between them, and he acted in a way he shouldn’t have.

“When returned to the community the complainer will allow him to have contact with the child.

“He indicates to me he’s had time to reflect. I would ask you to consider an alternative to custody.”

Sheriff Valerie Mays said: “With some hesitation, I can deal with this by an alternative to custody. If you don’t comply there will only be one result. This was quite a fine balance in your case. You’ve got a child, you need to get on with your life and support your son.”

He was ordered to be of social work supervision for two years and stay within his home in Parkhead between 8pm-7am for 168 days.