A MAN sent chilling threats to a member of his own family warning of 'long and sore' consequences in a row over money.

Douglas Young admitting sending grossly offensive messages of a threatening and abusive nature to a relative through WhatsApp at a property on Greenock's Belville Street on May 28 last year.

The town's sheriff court heard that the 56-year-old had fallen out with the complainer over ‘family matters’ around the time of the offence.

At around 9pm, the woman was in her home when she received WhatsApp messages from Young referring to money which he believed she owed him.

She responded claiming she was unaware of this, at which point Young sent a series of abusive replies.

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He told her: “You have crossed me one too many times.

“Accept what is coming your way. It will be long and sore for you.”

The woman then reported the incident to police,

Young was later traced in connection with a separate matter - and while in the back of a police van, he freely asked officers if he'd been apprehended as a result of WhatsApp messages he'd sent to the woman.

Defence solicitor Cameron Murdoch told the court that the incident occurred after Young had ‘repeatedly’ asked to be repaid.

(Image: Newsquest) Mr Murdoch added: “He understands and accepts that the way he spoke to her on WhatsApp was unacceptable.

“He just wanted his money back. That’s the explanation for it.”

The lawyer also noted that while Young, of Clydebank, does have a criminal record, he has now moved away from an area described as "the cause of some of his offending".

Sheriff James Spy iimposed a fine of £500 following Young's guilty plea.