A STALKER who turned up at his ex’s home in Ardrossan and carried out work on the garden while she was out has been ordered to stay away from the woman until 2027.

Colin Souter admitted engaging in a course of conduct that caused his former partner fear and alarm over a period of nearly two months last year.

The 57-year-old also harassed the woman with repeated emails and text messages – in spite of being asked to leave her alone – as well as doing the unwanted gardening work between September 21 and November 11.

Souter, of Rigg Street in Stewarton, admitted going to the woman’s home uninvited while she wasn’t there, carrying out various works in or around the garden, and repeatedly attending her previous and current address and leaving her unwanted gifts.

He also pleaded guilty to attending a work colleague’s home address uninvited.

Souter, who was represented by defence solicitor Rebecca Horton during a hearing at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, was placed on a community payback order with 18 months of social work supervision,

He was also ordered to complete 170 hours of unpaid work.

In addition a non-harassment order was imposed banning him from contacting, approaching or attempting to approach or contact the woman in any form for three years.