A DUNFERMLINE man left insulted in a Chinese takeaway has being jailed for spitting in the face of a woman.

Ian Bowie, 58, of Izatt Avenue, had just been dropped off by colleagues after a day of working away when the incident occurred at about 10.30pm.

He previously admitted that on July 27, at the Wan Lam Chinese takeaway, Baldridgeburn, he assaulted a female and spat on her face and committed this offence while on bail.

Depute fiscal Carrie Stevens explained that the complainer was working at the takeaway at the time and after Bowie entered the shop, he spat on the complainer's face.

However, defence solicitor Gordon Martin disagreed with this description and added: "The complainer's partner was also in the shop.

"Mr Bowie entered the takeaway and intended to purchase some food but the complainer's partner said: 'Don't worry, it's only mad Bowzer'.

"He asked him not to say that but then there was an argument that I think veered to the physical.

"The complainer became involved and it's after that involvement that he spat on her face.

"It is unacceptable but now it's set in context.

"Mr Bowie has been a steady worker with the same company for the last three years. He had been dropped off after working in Aberdeen all day, he went into get something to eat and he was insulted."

Sheriff Craig McSherry told Bowie: "I am being told that you were quite sober when you spat on her face, albeit it in the midst of a fight.

"In the circumstances I think it appropriate to give you a custodial sentence."

Bowie was jailed for eight months.