A dad who seized the mother of his child by her intimate parts and then repeatedly harassed her at her work after they split up has been ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

The 40-year-old, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week for sentencing.

He had previously been found guilty on two charges and had returned to the court following social work reports.

On various occasions between February 1 2005 and July 31 2015 at an address in Kilwinning, three addresses in Dreghorn, and elsewhere unknown to the prosecutor, the man assaulted his then partner in that he seized hold of her private parts, breasts, and bottom.

The man also engaged in a course of conduct which caused the woman fear and alarm after they had separated.

On various occasions between August 1 2015 and April 19 2016 at an address in Dreghorn, a store in Irvine, and elsewhere unknown to the prosecutor, he repeatedly shouted, swore, and repeatedly attended the woman’s place of work.

The Procurator Fiscal last week sought a Non-Harassment Order, the terms of which the man does not communicate with his ex nor enter her street.

But defence solicitor Colin McLaughlin suggested the order allow indirect contact as the pair have a child together.

He also said that he doubted his client would benefit from the Caledonian Programme, which is aimed at men guilty of domestic abuse.

Mr McLaughlin said: “Both have the interests of their child at heart and will have some contact with each other. I would trust both parties if they were kept apart. We’re not dealing with a man who has prior convictions with other partners, it’s one relationship. It seems to me the relationship is the problem, it’s not how he deals with domestic situations as a whole.”

Sheriff Iona McDonald said: “The jury have found you guilty of these matters that you accept. I do think you require guidance in respect of your attitude in respect of this individual and females in general.

"I do agree with Mr McLaughlin that the Caledonian Programme is perhaps not appropriate. As Mr McLaughlin has pointed out you do not seem to be able to communicate civilly [with the woman involved].”

The man was given a Community Payback Order of 200 hours of unpaid work with a supervision requirement and a Non-Harassment Order for two years.