A THUG who beat up a pregnant woman and branded her with a red-hot iron has escaped a prison sentence.

James Edgar, 39, subjected mum-to-be Samantha Reid, 31, to a vicious and terrifying attack.

He was put on probation for two years and ordered to perform 220 hours' community service and attend a domestic violence programme.

Sheriff Alf Vannet told him: "This was a disgraceful attack on a pregnant woman.

"I am imposing this sentence with great hesitation - breach it and you will be counting your sentence in years, not months. Just step out of line once and you will go to prison."

Edgar, of Fernbank Street, Springburn, Glasgow, pleaded guilty to attacking Samantha at a house in Rennie Road, Kilsyth, Dunbartonshire, in February last year.

Prosecutor Wendy Hay, told Airdrie Sheriff Court that Edgar was aware Samantha was pregnant when he assaulted her.

Ms Hay said: "He arrived at her house at 10pm and had been drinking. They were waiting for a taxi to go out together and she was ironing.

"He became agitated, grabbed her by the hair and slapped her face, causing her nose to bleed.

"She went to the front door and found it locked. She ran back into the living room and lifted the hot iron to protect herself.

"He grabbed it off her and struck her on the shoulder with it, causing a burn.

"She fell to the ground and curled up in a ball to protect herself from him.

"Neighbours heard her screams and called police."

Edgar resisted arrest and struggled violently with three officers.

Samantha, who was eight weeks' pregnant and who has since given birth, suffered cuts and bruises.