A DRUNKEN argument after a family barbecue ended in a restriction of liberty order for a Dunfermline man.

Ryan Pow, 26, of Clunie Road, had drunk about 12 ciders when he pushed his then partner to the floor and punched her after a row.

Appearing for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, he admitted that at a house in McClelland Crescent, he assaulted the woman by lunging at her, causing her to fall to the ground and repeatedly punching her on the head and body to her injury.

Depute Fiscal Dev Kapadia said the argument developed as the couple were on their way back to the home they shared about the fact she hadn't attended the barbecue.

"The accused took further umbrage and he lunged at her, causing her to fall onto the floor between the couch and the dog bed and then he leaned over and punched her on the face and arms," he added.

The assault left the woman with a cut, scratches and redness.

Defence solicitor James Moncrieff said the couple were no longer in a relationship.

"It was a volatile relationship on both sides," he said. "On the evening in question, his position is she had kicked him to the groin and he reacted in the way described.

"He appreciates his behaviour was completely unacceptable. He should not have lifted his hands to her. He came to his senses thereafter and stopped. He appreciates it as an unhealthy relationship."

Sheriff Craig McSherry placed Pow on a restriction of liberty order for two months and warned him that the sentence was a direct alternative to custody.