A KELTY plasterer punched a neighbour in the face who had only come to help the man's frightened partner.

Dunfermline Sheriff Court heard that an argument broke out between Gary Mcburney and his partner and she went to her next-door neighbours for help.

She wanted to get a few items from the property so went back and her neighbour followed.

Mcburney was sat on the couch and he got up and punched the neighbour once, bursting his lip.

The police were called around 10.25pm and officers noticed the accused had a bloody nose and scratch marks on his neck. He demeanour was volatile and unpredictable so was taken to Victoria Hospital to be examined.

At 3.30am he confronted staff for the time his treatment was taking and struggled with police officers who were assisting with the process.

Medical staff were upset by his outbursts and he was taken to another part of the building away from other staff and patients.

Gary Mcburney, 29, of Croftangry Road, previously admitted that on February 28 at an address in Kincardine, he did assault Alex Foskett and did punch him on the head to his injury.

Also, at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, he did behave in a threatening or abusive manner which was likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm in that he did shout and swear and refuse to desist and struggle violently with police officers.

Defence solicitor, Alexander Flett, said his client's relationship with his partner appeared to be a volatile one.

"There had been an incident in the house and she returned with a male. He thought the worse and struck the man which he regrets," he said.

"He is apologetic for his behaviour at the hospital."

Mcburney was ordered to pay £250 in compensation, complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 12 months supervision.