A TWICE-convicted domestic abuser who threatened to get someone to 'put a bullet' in his former partner's head has been given a community-based punishment after offering to 'apologise'.

Multiple offender David Greene admitted previously to harassing his ex over three months of abusive conduct, including repeatedly making belittling remarks about her, continually sending unwanted text messages containing threats, and warning her that they could either be 'together in a relationship or enemies'.

The 43-year-old appeared for sentencing after pleading guilty to the distressing behaviour which also included claims that he would take his own life and blame his ex for it.

Greenock Sheriff Court was previously told that the pair were in a relationship for almost a decade before an amicable break-up, however, between February and May 2023 Greene tormented the woman.

Procurator fiscal depute Pamela Brady told an earlier hearing: "Throughout the period the accused continually sent text messages to her which were of a threatening nature.

READ MORE: Alleged victim of armed robbery dies before knife-accused's trial

"He would make belittling remarks about her, calling her a murderer, maintaining he had poor mental health and she was to blame for this.

"In February 2023 he stated he was going to hang himself and said this would be her fault because she had refused to be in a relationship with him.

"This continued with him stating 'We can either be together in a relationship or enemies'."

Greene continued to regularly send messages to the woman, often at unreasonable times, despite the victim telling him that she did not wish any further communication.

He demanded to know where she was, told her she was an unfit mother, and 'caused her quite significant distress', according to the prosecutor.

Greene accused the complainer of playing mind games with him, and she was said to have been 'frightened and alarmed' by his behaviour during one exchange last April.

READ MORE: Port Glasgow man harassed ex and threatened to end his life after break-up

The court heard that he told one of the victim's family members that his cousin was 'going to put a bullet in [the complainer's] head'.

He continued to 'persistently' send messages to the woman and the fiscal depute described a further incident in Cathcart Street in May 2023, when the complainer was out for lunch with family members at a café and Greene confronted her in the street, shouting aggressively at her before a relative was forced to intervene.

The woman attended Greenock police office on May 9 to report his course of conduct and provided screenshots of text messages.

Greene, of Arden Road, was arrested later that day and referred to her as a 'two-faced cow' during his police interview.

Defence solicitor Aidan Gallagher told a hearing last week: "Quite properly he expresses remorse for his behaviour and regret.

"He accepts that responsibility lies on his shoulders for the behaviour he demonstrated.

READ MORE: Fresh trial date for Port Glasgow pair charged over 'stand-up street fight'

"He will apologise if given the opportunity in time.

"It is hoped that there will not be any repetition of this behaviour."

The lawyer added that Greene, who now has his second domestic conviction, 'has addressed his issues and is in a much better place than he has been in the past' after making 'improvements in his lifestyle'.

Sheriff Clair McLachlan said a custodial sentence would have been 'justified' but stated that she was 'satisfied' that an alternative disposal was available.

Greene must complete 150 hours of unpaid work within the next six months and he will also be subject to a supervision order.