A man who made violent threats towards a mum while wielding a knife has avoided jail.

Marcin Rafal Zaborowski appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week for sentencing having previously pled guilty to one charge. Sentence had been deferred for the court to obtain a Criminal Justice Social Work Report.

Zaborowski, 35, of Springvale Street in Saltcoats, behaved in a threatening or abusive manner towards a woman at an address in Stevenston on October 21 last year.

He made his way towards the woman while he was in possession of a knife, uttered threats of violence and made threatening gestures at her with the knife.

Solicitor Mr Ghee said that the woman involved was keen to make amends with Zaborowski and that his client needed help with alcohol issues.

He added: “It seems he’s more likely to harm himself than others.”

Sheriff Michael Hanlon told Zaborowski: “You have a limited record of previous convictions, but unfortunately, your one conviction also contains a domestic aggravation.

“The matter before me now is very serious and would merit a custodial sentence. I’ve taken into account what’s been said on your behalf and what’s contained in the report. Given the information contained within, it seems there is an alternative to a custodial disposal.”

Zaborowski was given a Community Payback Order of 150 hours of unpaid work and 12 months supervision.