A SEXUAL predator who attacked a young mum at Saltcoats Train Station while claiming to be an undercover cop has been told he is “a danger to women” and been jailed for a year. 

Alan Gilmour, of McIsaac Road in Saltcoats, appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court for sentencing on Tuesday, January 17 after being convicted last month of sexually assaulting a woman on the platform and impersonating a police officer.

The 46-year-old gained the woman’s trust in the early hours of July 17 by telling her he was a policeman working undercover. He then forced his hand up her skirt.

The court was shown CCTV footage taken at the station on the night in question, which showed Gilmour following the woman onto the platform and sitting down beside her.

Gilmour denied the charges while at court last month but was placed on the Sex Offenders Register and had his bail revoked.

Sheriff Hall deferred sentence for reports and had Gilmour remanded in custody until he appeared again at court this week to hear his fate. 

Colin McLauchlin, representing Gilmour during his sentencing, said that his client had been undergoing psychiatric assessments while in custody. 

Mr McLaughlin added that there were “concerns indicated” in Gilmour’s doctor reports and asked Sheriff Hall to consider deferring sentence for further reports. 

He said: “I ask if sentence be deferred for psychological issues.

“He clearly has an intellectual difficulty and has memory issues.

“He tells me he suffered a head injury in 1996 when he was struck by a piece of masonry.”

But Sheriff Hall said that he had “no doubt” that Gilmour was “a danger to women” and that he would have no hesitation in imposing a custodial sentence on him. 

The sheriff sentenced Gilmour to 12 months imprisonment, reduced to 10 when including his time on remand.

He also ordered that he remain on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Passing sentence, Sheriff Hall told Gilmour: “This is an extremely serious matter and you have a significant criminal record. 

“You have a conviction for assaulting a young woman with a sexual element to it.

“I have no doubt you are a danger to women. 

“You approached this young woman who had been drinking and so was in a vulnerable state.

“You gained her trust by claiming you were an undercover police officer. 

“I have no hesitation in considering that only a custodial sentence is satisfactory.”