A WALLYFORD man committed “a very manipulative” offence by threatening to commit suicide if his partner did not resume their relationship following a break up, a court heard.

Dean Girdwood engaged in behaviour that was abusive of his partner by repeatedly contacting her and issuing threats to harm himself and commit suicide if she did not rekindle their relationship.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court was told Girdwood, 34, also contacted the woman’s mother by text, and on social media, in a bid to win her daughter back.

He also posted a live video on social media, between February 22 and 23, stating he would kill himself and the woman was the only person who could stop him carrying out the act.

Girdwood, of Affleck Rise, pleaded guilty to the offence at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month and returned to the city court for sentencing last Friday.

The court was told that the woman was not in favour of a banning order being imposed and was not in favour of the criminal proceedings.

Sheriff John Cook said: “You have several previous convictions for domestic offending and that is why you were remanded in custody for this matter.

“The offence is very manipulative in the context of threatening to commit suicide to get the complainer to speak to you.

“The court notes you are working on your difficulties with the Caledonian Men’s Project and your risk assessment has declined.

“That is all very positive because if you don’t manage your attendance you will be going back to prison.

“On this occasion, the court will decide to impose an alternative to custody.”

Sheriff Cook sentenced Girdwood to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work in the community.