A MAN was attacked as he slept in his living room by a former friend who came into his Kelty home in the early hours of the morning.

The assailant, 46-year-old James Malcolm, has appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He previously admitted that on August 15 at Croall Street in Kelty, he assaulted a man by striking him on the head.

Malcolm, of North Drum Street in Kelty, also admitted that he sent messages which included threats of violence.

The court heard Malcolm and the victim had previously been friends.

However, Malcolm found out that his ex-partner and his friend had started a relationship.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said: “The complainer had fallen asleep on the couch and hadn’t locked his door.

“At around 1.30am the complainer woke up when he was kicked in the face. When he opened his eyes, the accused was standing over him.”

Malcolm later sent a text message threatening to snap all of the man’s fingers.

Defence solicitor Peter Robertson said: “As we’ve heard, the complainer is not a stranger. Mr Malcolm had been there on previous occasions and had also let himself in.

“On this occasion he had consumed alcohol before going there. He describes the blow as being a slap on the head to wake him up.”

Sheriff James MacDonald imposed a community payback order with 140 hours of unpaid work.