A MAN who admitted groping a teenage girl less than half his age and calling her a “hottie” in an act of “drunken folly” outside a shop will discover his punishment next month.

Lewis Paton pleaded guilty at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female on October 29, 2021.

Paton, 30, approached his victim in Stewarton’s Main Street before placing his arm around the teen, placing his hand on her breast over her clothing, and squeezing her breast.

Defence solicitor Graeme Cunningham told the April 21 court hearing: “I have seen CCTV of this and it is drunken folly – out and out stupidity – but it is what it is.”

Describing the events which led to the offence, the procurator fiscal depute told the court: “At around 10.30pm the complainer was standing outside the Co-op on Main Street and at that time she became aware of and was approached by the accused.

“He appeared under the influence of alcohol and began to engage in conversation.

“The complainer was with her friends and the accused stated to her that she was a ‘hottie’ and that he wanted to have sex with her.

“He put his arm around her shoulder, grabbed her breast and squeezed hard, causing pain to her breast.”

After pushing Paton off, the youngster began to walk away, but the accused followed behind.

The fiscal depute continued: “She returned to her home address, and a while later the accused was traced.”

When cautioned and charged by police, Paton - of Malcolm Court in Stewarton - replied: “It really is not me, I’m disgusted and ashamed.”

Sentence was deferred until May for the preparation of a criminal justice social work report.

Sheriff Sheena Fraser told Paton: “In order to properly decide on the appropriate sentence here I require a report into your background.”

Paton is currently on bail with a special condition requiring him not to have any contact with the victim.

He will also be made subject to sexual offender notification requirements.

Paton entered a plea plea of not guilty to a further charge alleging that he had behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by making sexually inappropriate remarks towards the girl and thereafter pursued her.

That plea was accepted by the Crown.