TRANENT man David Thomson has been ordered to carry out unpaid work in the community as punishment for sending offensive messages to a woman.

Thomson, of Young Avenue, sent grossly offensive or menacing messages to Leah Hay by claiming he would cause damage to her property.

Thomson, 36, telephoned the woman last month and threatened to attend at her home and cause the damage.

He pleaded guilty to the offence during an appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

Sheriff Thomas Welsh QC took a dim view of the offence and warned Thomson the sentence was a direct alternative to a custodial sentence.

Sheriff Welsh told Thomson he must complete 130 hours of unpaid work.

Thomson admitted to sending a message to Ms Hay that was grossly offensive, or of an indecent or menacing character, by phoning her and swearing and making threats to attend at her home and cause damage on July 3 this year.