A MAN is behind bars after admitting committing stalking offences against his estranged wife.

Philip Horton, who appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, is already on a community payback order and has committed a similar crime against the same woman.

Horton, 43, of Rossend Crescent, Burntisland, admitted that between May 14-28, at an address in Dunfermline and elsewhere, he engaged in a course of conduct which caused his estranged wife fear or alarm by repeatedly and persistently attempting to contact her via phone calls and text messages, repeatedly shouted, swore and made threatening and offensive remarks.

Horton had been bombarding his wife with text messages which became nasty and she reported the matter to the police.

Horton had later gone to her home and arrived when officers were there taking a statement from her. At that point he called her a “bitch” and was detained.

Defence solicitor Danielle Varela said her client was released from a jail term around October last year.

Sheriff James MacDonald called for reports and Horton was remanded in custody until sentencing on July 17.