A DOMESTIC abuser has been tagged and fined after being convicted of harassing his former partner by sending abusive messages and threatening to disclose an intimate photograph of her.

Court papers claimed Christopher Thomson engaged in a course of behaviour which was abusive of his ex over a three-month period from March to June 2020.

The 33-year-old repeatedly sent the woman abusive emails, texts, and social media messages and also threatened to release a private photo.

Thomson also threatened to attend at the woman’s home address. The offences were committed at a property in Daljarrock, Kilwinning and elsewhere.

Appearing at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week for sentencing, Thomson - of Churchill Avenue - was given a community payback order instead of a jail term.

Defence solicitor Simon Brown told Tuesday’s (March 15) hearing that a non harassment order had been fixed for a year at his client’s last court appearance.

Mr Brown said: “This relationship remains at an end. He is in long-term employment and is keen to move on with things.”

Sheriff Michael Hanlon told Thomson: “You know what was involved, it was shocking behaviour. I am taking a step back from a custodial sentence but only just.”

Thomson will be electronically tagged and will have to remain home between 8pm and 6am for 12 weeks.

He will also be under supervision by the social work department for a 24 months, and must attend a programme for domestic abusers.

He was ordered to pay £800 in compensation and do 120 hours of unpaid work in the community within 12 months.