A LARGS man has been spared jail despite a sheriff describing his assault of police officers as "completely unacceptable".

Kyle McKay was sentenced in relation to the matter, as well as further charges, when he appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Wednesday, September 18.

The 23-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to a total of four charges relating to two separate incidents, the first of which took place on April 24 this year in the Bank Street area of Irvine.

McKay, of Kelvin Street, admitted two charges of assaulting police officers by spitting at and attempting to kick them.

He managed to kick one constable and also shouted, swore and uttered abusive remarks to the PCs.

Court papers stated that McKay was later found in possession of cannabis on August 17.

Solicitor Calum Armour said: "At time of offence he had just gone through a breakdown in his relationship with the mother of his young child.

"He turned to alcohol and drugs in an attempt to cope.

"It is clear given the nature of these charges that drugs and alcohol play a role in this and long term will need addressed. He is currently abstinent and has added motivation."

Mr Armour added that McKay had been out of trouble for five years leading up to the incidents, however, the lawyer noted that his client had another summary matter outstanding, as well as a case due to call at the High Court.

Sentencing, Sheriff Colin Bisset said: “On the last occasion I heard a narration about your behaviour towards police officers – conduct which is completely unacceptable and there is no excuse.

“However, I believe there is an alternative to custody on this occasion.”

McKay was placed on a community payback order which will include an 18-month period of social work supervision.

He was also ordered to carry out a total of 210 hours of unpaid work which is to be completed within the next six months.