A KILWINNING teenager left a five-year-old boy in hysterics after swinging a golf club at the child’s grandpa and challenging him to fight.

Robert McManus, 18, has been ordered to stay out of trouble while he waits to learn his fate.

The teenager appeared in the dock last week, accompanied by an appropriate adult, after pleading guilty to a charge of threatening behaviour.

At a hearing at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on January 13, the procurator fiscal said: “I’m advised there had been ongoing issues between the accused and this family and local housing had been involved.

“The complainer and her father were walking along Irvine Road in Kilwinning and the accused walked towards them.

“The accused made some comments towards her and then ran past both of them, stopped on the roadway and taunted them.

“Shortly after, the accused ran home and within a few seconds returned with a golf club and was swinging it while taunting [the dad] and challenging him to a fight.

“They called 999 while [the dad] stood in front of [his daughter] and her five year old son, who was in hysterical tears at the accused’s conduct.

“Thereafter my lady the accused ran home with the golf club. Police then attended the home address of the accused and were granted entry.

“Police observed the accused agitated and who was upset and tearful. The golf club was found on the living room couch.”

“The accused was informed he was placed under arrest and indicated he understood.

“He was handcuffed and conveyed to Saltcoats Police office. He made to comment or reply to the charge.”

Defence solicitor Alex Muir said his client had pleaded guilty from the outset and had told a social worker that he had been “subject to a degree of abuse from the complainers”.

:“He previously appeared from custody my lady and pleaded guilty from the outset. He is 18 and lives with his mother

“He has cooperated fully with the report process explanation for why this took place, you’ll see [in social work report] it’s his position that he was subject to a degree of abuse from the complainers. It seems unfortunate that on this occasion he was overcome and responded. He has some difficulties.”

Sheriff Sheena Fraser said: “Mr McManus, it’s obviously been explained to you how dim a view the court takes on this behaviour on this particular day. The possession of an offensive weapon is considered very serious.

“I am persuaded in this case that a structured deferred sentence would be appropriate in this case, of benefit to you going forward and the community.

“I’m going to defer sentence for six months; there will be a review in this time.”

He will return to court for sentencing at a later date.