AN OBSESSIVE man sent his ex-lover threatening messages in the notes of online bank transfers.

Martin McKinlay, 25, repeatedly sent pennies to the 20-year-old, after she ended their four-month relationship in March this year.

McKinlay had been abusive towards the woman including detaining her at his flat in Millerston on Christmas Day.

McKinlay pleaded guilty today at Glasgow Sheriff Court to engaging in a course of abuse which was the abuse of his partner or ex-partner.

He was jailed for 16 months by Sheriff Tony Kelly.

The sheriff told him: "The behaviour here is not just concerning, not just inappropriate, not just deplorable - it's concerning with the background before me.

"It's sustained over a number of months and after she identified the relationship was over.

"A custodial sentence is inevitable."

The court heard the pair got together in December 2020.

Prosecutor Mark Allan told the court McKinlay "shouted and swore" as well as "acted aggressively" towards her.

He also "uttered offensive remarks" to her and threatened her family members.

The hearing was told that the woman attended McKinlay's property on December 25, 2020.

She explained that she would only be there for an hour as she was meeting friends.

Mr Allan added: "McKinlay began to shout at her and demanded that she remained there with him as well as not see her friends.

"The woman told the police that she was scared to leave and remained with him."

McKinlay punched a mirror as well as shouted and swore at her on an occasion in January this year.

She eventually left with her belongings from their shared home in March.

Mr Allan said: "The woman continued to receive notes from bank transfers which were sent to her account.

"These were pennies that were transferred but it would allow McKinlay to attach a note to it used for abusive notes.

"This was another means of threatening communications from him."

The matter was reported to the police and McKinlay was arrested at his home.

Tracey Hamilton, defending, told the court McKinlay "displayed extremely concerning behaviour."

The lawyer added that he is unable to control his emotions when he sees something he does not want to see.

It was also revealed that McKinlay has previous convictions for domestic matters.