A MUSSELBURGH man pulled his girlfriend’s mum out of a car by her ankle after an argument.

The procurator fiscal depute said that James Sutherland, 42, was in a car with his girlfriend and the couple’s young baby when he got into an argument with his girlfriend.

She then contacted her mother, who later appeared and got into the vehicle. Sutherland was said to be “not happy” at the mum’s arrival and began pulling her from the car.

Sutherland, a bus driver, was said to be drunk and shouting and swearing during the incident at Kerr’s Wynd, Musselburgh, on April 3.

But solicitor Richard Soutar, defending, told Edinburgh Sheriff Court a different version of events.

Mr Souter said the couple had argued in their home before Sutherland left to go to his mother’s home. The solicitor said his girlfriend’s mother had turned up and made “an unpleasant remark”, which resulted in Sutherland grabbing her by the ankle and pulling her from the car.

Mr Soutar said his client “accepts [he has] problems with his drinking” but that the couple had since reconciled and were back living together.

The court heard Sutherland’s girlfriend was “not keen” on the prosecution going ahead, but her mother was in favour of his court appearance.

Sheriff Adrian Cottam said: “I’m sure you realise no matter what your relationship with your in-laws that losing your temper and resorting to violence is not the way to handle it.

“But you are now 42 and have a limited record. So, in all the circumstances, I will fine you a total of £150.”

Sutherland admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, swearing and uttering threats of violence.