A REMORSELESS creep who sexually abused a young girl has dodged jail after the victim bravely took the stand against the offender.

Connar Templeton, 25, was found guilty of sexually abusing the young girl after trial at Ayr Sheriff Court last month [Wednesday, May 5].

And on his return to court for sentencing, concerns were raised about his attitude.

His solicitor said: “When the individual maintains innocence there would be a lack of insight”.

He added: “The individual has a number of needs to address”, and while urging a community sentence and restriction of liberty order he added: “Unpaid work may not be entirely appropriate.”

Sheriff Siobhan Connelly said: “It concerns me greatly your attitude”, calling the offence “completely unacceptable”.

“If you don’t engage and take steps you will be sent to prison. This is a serious matter not to be made light of.”

Templeton was given a two-year community payback order but avoided having to carry out any unpaid work, placed under a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order and will have to register as a sex offender during this time.

He will be allowed no contact with anyone under 16 – with the court allowing supervised contact of his own child – and wear a tag for six months.

Templeton, of Keir Hardie Hill, was found to have assaulted the girl then aged 13 years after making sexual remarks to her on January 24 last year.

He then placed his hand inside her lower clothing and touched her body.

Templeton was granted bail and placed on the sex offenders register after he was found guilty at trial – with sentencing deferred for background reports. The victim’s sister paid tribute to her courage after reporting the incident then taking the stand – telling the Chronicle: “He’s a vile, arrogant, sick, twisted individual and shown absolutely no remorse.”