A MAN has been slapped with a community payback order for uttering abusive remarks at his step-sisters.

Charles McIlvaney, of Herdston place Cumnock admitted to behaving in a threatening manner and uttering abusive remarks during a phone call to a family member on June 1 near to Wylie Crescent in Cumnock.

The 29-year-old appeared before Sheriff Mhari McTaggart at Ayr Sheriff court last week.

Procurator Fiscal, Stephen McLean, explained: “The complainer and her sister are step sisters of the accused.

“At around midnight, they were walking home and they saw the partner of the accused waiting for a taxi and they exchanged pleasantries.

“The sister could not wait with her as she had to get home.

“The complainer later received a text message from the accused asking why they didn’t wait with his partner and she explained she couldn’t wait as she had a sore back and had to get home.

“Several more texts were received by the complainer.

“One of the sisters then got a phone call from the accused.”

Mr McLean added: “At 2:45pm, the witnesses heard the accused shouting “get out here, I’m going to smash you”.

“One of the sisters went upstairs and saw the accused standing outside.

“Shortly after, there was a loud knocking on the door.

“The witness contacted the police and he was arrested at his home address.”

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor Mr Lockhart, said: “He has managed to stay out of trouble for two years.

“There has been disharmony in the family and his current partner does not get on with the sisters and doesn’t believe that they are a good influence on him. He would benefit from a community payback order.”

Sheriff McTaggart addressed McIlvaney.

She said: “With your record, a custodial sentence would be understood but I am going to step back from that and give you a community payback order.”