A THUG who smashed windows and made threats to kill a man in Stevenston after drinking with a friend has been ordered to stump up for the damage he caused.

Turfer James Boyd admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and wilfully or recklessly damaging property without reasonable excuse.

The 32-year-old smashed windows at a property in Arthur Street in the town, while acting with another, on October 8 this year.

He also admitted causing fear and alarm by repeatedly shouting, swearing, utter threats of violence and threatening to kill a man.

When Boyd, of Moorpark Road West, appeared for sentencing at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, defence solicitor Peter Murray said: “He pleaded guilty at the first calling. He is a single man, in full time employment as a turfer.

“I would say from the outset that he recognises the behaviour was completely deplorable. It was unacceptable, and there is no excuse.

“He was out drinking with family, then fell into other company.

“Unfortunately there was an unwarranted attack on the home, and he joined in."

Explaining that his client had no other criminal cases outstanding, Mr Murray added:  “He is in good full-time employment and has been out of trouble for six years.

“He knows what he did was unacceptable; he doesn’t need any help understanding that.”

Sheriff Alistair Watson told Boyd that his offending and past record was serious enough to leave him "close to custody", but that the time he had been out of trouble was sufficient to give him a community-based punishment instead.

Boyd was ordered to pay £750 in compensation to the property owner for the smashed window, and was put on a tag which will confine him to his home address every night from 7pm to 6am for four months.