A MUSSELBURGH man has been told he must attend mental health and substance abuse appointments as part of his sentencing for carrying out a course of abusive behaviour against his partner.

Scott Higgins behaved in a threatening or abusive manner towards the woman over a six-month period last year.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court was told that 40-year-old Higgins struck his partner with a plate and made a series of unwanted phone calls to her.

The court also heard that he refused to leave her property when asked to do so and shouted, swore and made derogatory remarks towards her, all between January 10 and July 10 last year.

One occasion saw Higgins attend at the woman's Prestonpans home, bang on a window and attempt to force open the front door.

Court papers also state that the offender made unwanted phone calls and left unwanted voicemails.

Higgins, of Craighall Drive, Musselburgh, pleaded guilty to the offences when he appeared at the Capital court earlier this year and he was back in the dock for sentencing last Wednesday.

Sheriff Adrian Fraser placed him on a 12-month social work supervision order and issued a conduct requirement where he must attend sessions with mental health and substance misuse professionals.