A THUG broke a man’s rib after kicking him as he lay on the ground.

Dylan Roberts, of Crosshill Road Maybole, admitted to approaching and kicking the victim whilst he was on the ground at the Avenue in Girvan on April 8.

The 25-year-old appeared before Sheriff Carole Cunninghame last week at Ayr Sheriff Court.

Depute Fiscal, Jennifer Guy, explained: “At around 3am, the complainer left the night club to make his way to his friend’s house in Girvan. There, at a car park, was where he encountered a female and two males – including the accused.

“The complainer engaged in a conversation where a heated discussion took place. The complainer began to walk away – when he turned, he saw the two males, including the accused chasing him. At this time, the complainer had fell to the ground. The accused ran up to him and kicked him to the body. Due to the kick, the complainer sustained one broke rib.

“The complainer was taken to accident and emergency where it was confirmed that he had a broken rib – he was later released.”

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor Glenn Davis, said: “My client has expressed his remorse and has taken full responsibility of his actions.

"He was speaking to the complainer, who had made remarks about the female. He knows he should not have pursued the complainer – the prospect of custody terrifies him.”

Addressing Roberts, Sheriff Cunninghame, added: “This is a serious – to pursue and then injure someone who is on the ground.”

Roberts was ordered to carry out a community payback order with 120 hours of unpaid work over a six-month period. He was also issued a £400 fine to be paid at £100 a month.