A DUNFERMLINE man slammed on the hand brake of a car after being punched in the face by the driver, his partner.

The rash actions of Paul Wilkes resulted in the vehicle careering across the road and ending up on a grass verge.

As a result, Wilkes, 24, of Leishman Drive, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on December 8 at Carnock Road, Dunfermline, whilst a front seat passenger in a car driven by his partner, he culpably and recklessly applied the hand brake, causing the vehicle to lose control, cross on to the opposing carriageway and come to a halt on a grass verge.

The court was told the incident happened at about 10am and resulted in the car going into the wrong lane and mounting a grass verge.

It was seen by members of the public who contacted the police.

Defence solicitor Elaine Buist said: “His position is he did what he did because he was punched in the face by the complainer.

“He was utterly shocked at what happened.”

The solicitor said her client lives with his mother in Dunfermline while his partner lives in Alloa.

The court was told Wilkes is already on community payback orders imposed in Alloa with an appearance at that court coming up later this month.

Sheriff James MacDonald deferred sentence until April 17 to await the outcome of Wilkes’ other cases.