A Clydebank man who repeatedly ignored court orders blamed his ex-partners for his behaviour, a court has heard.

Stuart Lawlor, of Crescent View, Dalmuir, previously admitted a series of crimes last year against two women in the town.

He had a bail order on July 18 last year to stay away from one woman but, between that day and June 6 this year, he was in contact with her.

Then on December 27 last year, at a property in Graham Avenue, he shouted and swore and acted in an aggressive manner towards a second woman. He banged the front door causing damage and spat through the letter box.

He also assaulted the woman, repeatedly seizing her by the hair, repeatedly dragging her along the ground, and punching her on the head to her injury.

He got bail for that and was ordered to stay away from the woman, but contacted her on April 27.

All the crimes were aggravated by being against a partner or ex.

Lawlor, 38, represented himself at his sentencing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on July 16.

He had been assessed for the Caledonian Men's Project to tackle his domestic abuse problem. But there were concerns, the court heard.

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry said: "It's not a glowing assessment of you.

"The author [of the assessment] expresses concern that you have deliberately ignored court orders in the past. You are thought to be minimising your own responsibility and blaming your ex-partners and alcohol, rather than taking responsibility for your own behaviour.

"You state your intention to resume the relationship if and when bail allows."

Lawlor told the court he had been through detox and there was "no alcohol now".

The sheriff said: "With a degree of hesitation, I'm prepared to give you the opportunity to stop breaking the law. If you are going to continue breaking the law, you will go to prison and for a long time."

He imposed a two-year community payback order with supervision by social workers and for Lawlor to take part in the Caledonian Men's Project. He must also take alcohol counselling or treatment as directed.

Lawlor must also do 120 hours of unpaid work in the community within 12 months. And there will be a review of his progress in three months.

He continues to be on bail, but the terms were varied to allow him to be with his partner again.

But the sheriff added: "You must not do anything to alarm or distress her."