A JOHNSTONE man is facing up to five years behind bars for battering his girlfriend while she was holding a toddler.

Alan Cadle, 26, attacked Ashley Jackson, 28, at her home, leaving her petrified and covered in blood.

The details emerged this week as Cadle, of Highcraig Avenue, Johnstone, appeared in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court to admit his guilt.

He pleaded guilty to attacking Miss Jackson at a property at Nether Johnstone Farm, in Barochan Road, on April 20 last year.

Procurator fiscal depute Alan Parfery told the court that violence flared after the couple had a text conversation in which Miss Jackson said she "couldn't cope" with their on-off relationship anymore.

Mr Parfery said: "She contacted him and they agreed by text they might be better off apart.

"He attended the following day to get his belongings. At 9.45pm, [Cadle] entered the property with a male friend.

"The complainer was surprised by this and noted him to be under the influence of some kind of substance.

"He stood up and pushed [Miss Jackson] while she was holding a child, which caused her to lose her balance, but she managed to maintain her footing.

"She then shouted that he should leave. He said he was there to collect money and went upstairs.

"He was then aggressive when he returned downstairs."

The court was told that Cadle approached Miss Jackson, took hold of her hair and, at the same time, punched her face with his other hand.

Mr Parfery added: "He drew blood. Immediately after the punch, the complainer felt blood trickle down her face."

Cadle tried to prevent Miss Jackson from leaving the property but she managed to get to the garden and the police were summoned.

Defence solicitor Gordon Ritchie said Cadle was under the influence of drink and drugs at the time and "wasn't in the best condition."

He asked for Sheriff David Pender to defer sentence for background reports and urged him to consider an alternative sentence to prison, adding: "Whilst custody can't be excluded, it can't be said to be the only disposal available."

Sheriff Pender adjourned the case for Cadle to be assessed by social workers and he is expected to learn his fate when he returns to the dock next month.