A PREGNANT woman who climbed over the shop counter while shouting and swearing has been spared jail because of her condition.

Carol Doolan of Russell Drive, Ayr admitted acting in an abusive manner at Crowd Stopper on Cumnock's Lugar Street in February this year.

The 28-year-old appeared before Sheriff John Montgomery at Ayr Sheriff Court last week. The court heard how Doolan had attended the shop earlier that day to return a mobile phone.

Depute Fiscal Lorri Pidgon said: "Later that day she returned to the shop. The shop keeper asked for a receipt that had been given to her that day but she could not produce it.

"She was asked for her ID because she had lost the receipt but she began shouting and swearing. She continued to shout and swear at the shop keeper. Police attended later but Ms Doolan had left. A search was conducted."

Speaking on her behalf, defence solicitor Steven Maxwell, said: "She has previously served a custodial sentence. It is quite clear that she has had a number of difficulties.

"She is pregnant and is very keen to avoid jail. She could not find the receipt and one thing led to the next. She is very much in your Lord Ship's hand. There are no other matters outstanding."

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Montgomery, said: "I will spare you the prospect of your child being born in prison. I will defer sentence to allow your child to be born. This is not the end of the matter."

Sheriff Montgomery deferred sentence for three months.