AN ARDROSSAN thug who subjected his ex-partner to a horrific campaign of domestic abuse over a period of 18 months has dodged a jail term.

Robert Grainger repeatedly kicked the woman on the head and body, punched her and, on one occasion, burned her head with a lit cigarette.

The 49-year-old was found guilty by a jury of subjecting the woman to vile domestic abuse between March 14, 2020 and October 16, 2021 at Cunninghame Crescent in Saltcoats and elsewhere.

He was convicted of engaging in a course of behaviour that was abusive to his ex-partner, including holding the lit cigarette to her neck to her injury.

He was also found guilty of repeatedly attempting to contact her via text message, social media and of contacting her by phone.

When Grainger, of Princes Street, Ardrossan, returned to Kilmarnock Sheriff Court for sentencing on May 5, his defence advocate, Ms Dooling, told Sheriff Alistair Watson: “I appreciate Mr Grainger has been found guilty at trial before your lordship.

“He has been assessed as moderate risk [of reoffending]. You will see his record is not palpable, but his past offences are in the past, and he has become a productive member of society.

“His [now] wife is present in court and he is her carer.”

Ms Dooling said Grainger’s wife would have her human rights affected if her client were to be sent to prison, and added that there was “no issue with further contact” with his ex.

Sheriff Watson told Grainger: “You were found guilty by a jury of engaging in a course of domestic abuse to your then partner.

“The conviction was somewhat different to the original charge, with some elements removed, but the matters remaining you were convicted on are very serious.

“This court is aware of the effects this abuse will have on the victim. This must be taken into account.

“There is no doubt in my mind this passes the threshold [for custody]. With some hesitation I will go down the route of imposing an alternative.”

Grainger was placed under social work supervision for 18 months as part of a community payback order.

He will also have to complete 270 hours of unpaid work in the community within a year.

Sheriff Watson added: “I also think it’s important to make a non-harassment order lasting five years preventing any contact with his ex or approaching her within 50 metres.”