A parking dispute between neighbours turned nasty with racist language and threats being made, Dunfermline Sheriff Court heard.
Robert Martinez called his Asian neighbours derogatory names, threatening to smash up their car and home when he was asked to move his vehicle.
After trial, Martinez, 42, of Trondheim Parkway West, Dunfermline, was found guilty of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, swearing, uttering threats to damage property, behaving aggressively and using racially-offensive language.
In his evidence he admitted he was frustrated when he heard neighbour Abdur Rashid toot his horn, to complain that Martinez’s car was blocking access to their parking area.
He also conceded that he had threatened to damage the Rashids’ car during the heated discussion, but denied making any comments using racist words.
His partner, Sharon Wilson, 37, also said Martinez did not use racist language to the neighbours.
However, she said that when he came back into the house he had said: “Who do they think they are, coming to this country and trying to control us?”
Martinez admitted saying that, but insisted it was not a racist comment, just his personal opinion stated in a private conversation.
Earlier, Sehmida Rashid told the court that Martinez had started shouting and swearing as soon as he came out of the house, adding that her seven-year-old son had been so upset that he has been crying and suffering nightmares.
Sheriff Craig McSherry found Martinez guilty and fined him £500.