A MAN who tormented his partner over past sexual abuse has appeared in court.

James Cuthbert, 43, of Primrose Lane, Rosyth, previously admitted that on November 4, at an address in Inverkeithing and at Dunfermline Police Station, he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner which was likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm in that he did repeatedly shout, swear, behave in an aggressive manner and uttered offensive and abusive remarks repeatedly towards his partner and police officers.

Defence solicitor Roshni Joshi explained that her client remained in a relationship with the complainer.

"He accepts that there are things that he could have done differently," she said.

"His behaviour is described as impulsive and it was in the context of a number of family circumstances.

"He is not a prolific offender."

Sheriff Alastair Brown said to Ms Joshi: "It appears that this lady has been subject to sexual abuse in the past.

"He followed her around the house shouting that she must have enjoyed that."

He added that Cuthbert had accused her of getting money from the abuse and that social workers couldn't even get him to calm down, and that when police officers arrived he was abusive towards them.

"I cannot see any good reason why people should be subject to that behaviour," said Sheriff Brown.

Ms Joshi responded: "He accepts that this was a thoroughly unpleasant experience but it was a time when there were family matters.

"He is a carer for his partner."

Sheriff Brown deferred sentence until February 26 for a restriction of liberty assessment.