A MAN from Girvan who assaulted a police constable and attempted to head butt him has been told to address 'his issues'.

Jimmy McKillop, of Pine Quardant, Girvan pleaded guilty to to behaving in a threatening or aggressive manner, shouting and swearing likely to cause fear or alarm.

McKillop appeared before Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart at Ayr Sheriff Court on Tuesday, May 10.

Fiscal Mhairi Mair said: "The accused was in a public house in Girvan. Staff saw him come into the public house but he had been barred and was told to leave. He wanted to speak to them.

"Staff members were asked to go outside to keep an eye on him but the accused began to shout and swear at his brother before going for him and had him on the ground. The police were contacted.

"They arrived and spoke to the McKillop who was speaking in an aggressive manner. He was aggressive towards one of the police officers and lashed out at him."

Speaking on his behalf defence solicitor Jill Malloy said: "He is back living with his partner. He clearly had far too much to drink and cannot really recall the circumstances of the event or why he behaved like this.

"But alcohol would explain this. I have told him it would be better for his liberty to carry out unpaid work."

Sheriff MacTaggart addressed him: "I want you to listen to me. There are issues here you are going to address Mr McKillop and for these issues I am going to hand out unpaid work in order to tackle them."

McKillop will complete 24 months of community payback oder and 160 hours unpaid work within nine months. There will be a review hearing later this year.