A DAD who caused a disturbance at his son’s first day at school has appeared in court.

Simon McCue swore at his former partner then started pushing her as pupils, parents and teachers looked on at a Dunfermline primary.

The incident occurred when McCue, 37, became upset because he could not find his son in a packed school gym where parents took their children to be inducted on their first day.

McCue, of Delgatie Avenue, Glenrothes, appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court after spending a night in the police cells.

He admitted that on August 17 at a primary school in Dunfermline, he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting and swearing. He also admitted assaulting his former partner by repeatedly pushing her on the body.

The court was told McCue was heard speaking to his former partner in a raised voice, swearing repeatedly. He then pushed her twice on the body with the result that she almost fell over.

As a result, staff called police to the school and McCue was later detained.

Defence solicitor John Bain said his client had arranged with his former partner to attend the school but had failed to spot her or their son in the gymnasium.

He sent eight text messages asking where she was but received no reply. “Mr McCue was getting upset and agitated that he was going to miss the proceedings. He interpreted this as a deliberate attempt by her to push his buttons,” said Mr Bain.

“He has described his behaviour as atrocious, which it was of course. He let himself down, he is extremely apologetic and very embarrassed.”

Sheriff Valerie Johnston said: “I take into account that you will be left with this as your memory of your son’s first day at school and that you spent a night in the cells.” She fined McCue £140.