An Irvine man who told two young teens he was a ‘UVF terrorist’ and that one was coming home with him has dodged jail. 

John Andrew Leaker pleaded guilty to causing two girls fear and alarm,  and one of them by grabbing hold her hand in the Bridgegate on July 21. He also told one she looked "like a darkie". 

Leaker, of Sloan Avenue in Irvine, admitted racially-aggravated threatening or abusive manner by approaching the two girls, aged 14, and engaging them in conversation. 

A not guilty plea to having assaulted one of the girls by grabbing them was accepted by prosecutors. 

The procurator fiscal said: "The witness was sat with her friend on a bench at the Delta Bar. 

“The accused started conversing with both witnesses asking ‘are you okay’ and where did they live. 

"She responded: ‘I’m not telling you’. He said: “You’re coming home with me.’ 

“They did not make any reply. 

“Thereafter he said: ‘I’m a 54-year-old UVF terrorist' grabbing the witness by the hand. 

"He added: 'You look like a "darkie" sitting there.'

“One of the witnesses' grandfather then attended.  

“Both were 14 at the time.” 

The court heard after police were contacted and Leaker traced he made no reply to caution and charge. 

The Times previously reported bail was granted with a special condition barring Mr Leaker from entering the Bridgegate area while legal proceedings were ongoing. 

When he returned to Kilmarnock Sheriff Court for sentencing, defence solicitor Peter Murray said: “Mr Leaker is a 54-year-old man who was married and now separated.  

“You heard the narrative which could be taken as somewhat sinister, but the thrust of my submission is this was through drink.” 

Sheriff Nicola Patrick said: “I must say it was quite frankly alarming.

"Notwithstanding his lack of record this meets the threshold for custody.”  

Mr Murray added: “He has significant difficulty with alcohol. He had a habit of drinking until he had no funds left and drinking to the point of no recollection. 

“He really has no recollection of what transpired. He has difficulty understanding how and why he would make the comments. 

“The nonsensical comment about the paramilitary organisation, he has no affiliation to one side or the other. 

“He was so worried about his behaviour he referred himself to Turning Point. He has made significant efforts to address his drinking problem.” 

Sheriff Patrick said: “I have listened very carefully to everyone and had benefit for this [social work] report. 

“As you heard this is a very serious matter that could attract custody sentence. I’m satisfied I can deal with you other than custody.” 

He was placed on an two year community payback order and placed under social work supervision. 

He will also have to remain in the house between the hours of 7pm to 7am for six months. 

The sheriff added: “If you don’t engage in any aspect all options will remain on the table.”