A KILWINNING man has been ordered to pay compensation to his neighbour after telling him to "f**k off back to Nigeria" during a racist rant.

James Lamberton was fined for the offensive outburst at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week after pleading guilty to threatening or abusive behaviour.

The 60-year-old admitted shouting, swearing, uttering racial remarks and uttering threats of violence towards the victim on October 16 this year.

The procurator fiscal depute told Thursday's (November 3) hearing that the complainer was within his garage at around 12.30pm on the day when he looked outside and saw Lamberton standing in his driveway.

The fiscal depute said: "He [neighbour] asked if he wanted anything as he was staring at him.

"The accused started shouting at him, repeatedly calling him a "f*****g c**t" and telling him to "f**k off back to Nigeria to those black c***s" and to "suck a black c**k".

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"The complainer perceived this to be racist as he used to work in Africa for two years."

Other neighbours came out into the street and heard Lamberton shouting at the man.

The court heard that he also threatened to smash the complainer's car and house windows.

The man returned inside his property and police were called, before Lamberton was taken to Saltcoats police office where he was cautioned and charged and made no reply.

Defence solicitor Brian Holliman said Lamberton, who has previous convictions but his last offending was in 2008, has since applied to vacate his tenancy at the Mountcastle Wynd property.

Mr Holliman said: "They had been neighbours for four years and had no difficulties up until March 2022, but a dispute over parking led to words being exchanged.

"The accused was contacted by his landlord and was told to stay away from the complainer.

"He had taken that to heart until October 16.

"He wishes to publicly apologise for his comments. A red mist descended over him. He thought he was staring at him and took the bait."

Sheriff George Jamieson fined Lamberton £480 plus a £20 victim surcharge, and ordered him to pay £200 compensation to his neighbour.