A SERIAL abuser who caused his partner to crash her car has been jailed for almost three years.

Raymond McNab pulled the handbrake while the woman was driving causing her to crash into the central reservation. It proved to be the last straw after a month of violent and nasty behaviour.

She will now be protected from any contact by the 38-year-old.

He previously pleaded guilty to abusive conduct at a property in Curle Street, Glasgow, and at one in Glasgow Road, Clydebank, as well as Loch Long Hotel in Arrochar, the A82 and elsewhere.

We previously reported that the course of conduct ran from May 20 to June 28 this year and included striking the woman to the face and kicking her to the face, threatening her by phone and sending abusive messages over social media.

On June 28, outside Loch Long Hotel, McNab tripped the woman, causing her to fall. She then drove off with him in the passenger side. On the A82 southbound, he pulled the handbrake causing the vehicle to collide with the central reservation.

No further details about the crash were provided to the court.

He appeared from custody at Dumbarton Sheriff Court for sentencing on November 26.

McNab's defence solicitor said his client had issues with his mental health and addictions to alcohol and drugs, "giving rise to previous abusive relationships".

"He has been seeking support for mental health while in custody," he said. "He is keen, when he regains his liberty, to remain out of trouble.

"We are dealing with a man who has fairly significant problems he will have to resolve. I would ask the court to take into account the timing of his pleas."

Sheriff Frances McCartney said it was a "very serious charge" and there was no alternative to custody.

She jailed McNab, listed in court papers as a prisoner in Greenock, for 28 months, backdated to July 12.

When he is released, to protect the public, there will be a 12-month supervised release order. Social workers will monitor him and direct any mental health or addictions services required.

He can be returned to prison if he breaches that.

A non-harassment order was imposed protecting his ex for three years.