A KILWINNING man who assaulted and abused his former neighbour is awaiting sentencing.

Kevin Leckie, of the town’s Ashgrove Road, admitted slapping the woman inLadyford Avenue on August 29.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard last week how the 28-year-old son of the complainer was leaving his house on the day in question to go to the shops.

Upon leaving he saw Leckie in his front garden and told him to “f*** off” and leave him alone.

Leckie, 44, was waiting for the man when he returned from the shops and directed a torrent of abuse at him.

He said: "You’re a fat f*****g p****” and a “fat f*****g c***”.

This was said to have caused the man fear and alarm.

On hearing the commotion, the woman made her way outside.

And it was here that matters escalated to violence.

Leckie called her a “fat f*****g b****” before striking her to the nose with the palm of his hand.

This caused the woman pain and made her eyes water, as well as leaving her “scared and alarmed”, the procurator fiscal told the court.

After his assault Leckie returned home and closed his front door.

The woman went to Leckie’s house to continue the confrontation but he refused to answer.

Police were eventually contacted and Leckie was arrested.

Leckie pled guilty at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week.

Presiding Sheriff Shirley Foran called for social work reports and a restriction of liberty order assessment to be carried out on Leckie.

Leckie will return to court for sentencing in January.