A spurned lover threatened to kill his ex-partner over a paternity row, a court has heard.
Matthew Smith admitted sending threatening texts to Hannah Joslin-Smith.
The court heard that tensions between the pair over the paternity of Ms Smith’s tot spilled over after 31-year-old Smith had been drinking on Saturday, October 3.
After launching a foul-mouthed tirade against her, Smith said he would “put a bullet in her head”.
The accused, of 5 Campbell Drive in Portsoy, was charged with repeatedly shouting and swearing at Ms Smith, and threatening to kill her.
He was described as addressing the pregnant woman in a “grossly offensive” and “menacing” manner.
Fiscal Kevin Corrins said: “The accused and the complainer were in a brief relationship this year, during which time the complainer fell pregnant.
“But that relationship had ended by October, at which time the phonecall in question took place.
“He became angry during the conversation, and stated he would put a bullet in her head and murder her.”
Representing Smith, solicitor Matthew O’Neill said that the incident was “out of character” for his client.
Mr O’Neill added: “After the complainer became pregnant the accused was initially advised that the unborn child was his, but at other points he was told it was not.
“This caused significant disagreements between them, and this incident came shortly before the child was born.
“It remains very much uncertain as to what the case is.”
Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov deferred sentence on Smith for six months, during which time he is to be of good behaviour.