A GOVAN man who hid in his ex-partner's home in Irvine - after attending uninvited - has been spared jail.

Ryan McKenzie has been allowed to remain within the community after he was sentenced at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Tuesday, October 1.

It follows guilty pleas to three charges - all in relation to behaviour towards his former partner - during an earlier court appearance.

The 22-year-old admitted one charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by entering the woman's Irvine home uninvited on February 4 this year.

Court papers also stated that McKenzie lay on a couch there and hid underneath bedding before acting in an aggressive manner towards his ex and banging on the door.

A further charge stated that the Govan man, of Harhill Street, wilfully and recklessly destroyed property belonging to her in that he struck and damaged a window.

McKenzie also assaulted his former partner on February 10, with court documents stating that he attempted to spit on her.

Defending, McKenzie's solicitor explained to Sheriff Murdoch Mactaggart that his client was already subject to court orders, which he is carrying out at present, with his compliance described as "satisfactory".

The lawyer added that although the Caledonian Men's Programme - aimed at helping men convicted of domestic abuse offences - would be beneficial, there were reservations about placing McKenzie on this.

The solicitor then asked that a further community-based order be made, despite the 22-year-old "sailing close to the wind" in terms of receiving a prison sentence.

Sheriff Mactaggart agreed to step back from custody, instead placing McKenzie on a restriction of liberty order.

He must remain within his home address between 7pm-7am each day for the next 17 weeks - with his movements subject to an electronic monitoring order during this time.

A non-harassment order was also put in place between McKenzie and his partner for a period of 12 months.