A 30-year-old man who assaulted and injured three partners within 15 months has avoided a prison sentence.

Kevin Oliver appeared from custody at Ayr Sheriff Court for sentencing having previously pled guilty to three charges.

Oliver, of Walker Avenue in Ayr, assaulted his first victim in April 2017 at an address in Kilmarnock. He pushed his then girlfriend causing her to stumble and spat on her face, all to her injury.

Oliver struck again with a second partner on various occasions between July 28 and September 3 of last year.

He carried out assaults on the woman at the Apex Hotel in Dundee, an address in Beith, and an address in Ayr. Oliver slapped the woman on her face, seized her by the hair, placed his hand over her mouth and held her nose all to her injury.

Oliver assaulted his third victim at an address in Troon on June 3 of this year. He placed his hand over his girlfriend’s mouth, seized her jaw and pulled her jaw to her injury.

Solicitor Mr Cameron said that his client’s social work report “paints a very concerning picture”, but stressed that he would be “more than willing to comply” with the Caledonian Project for men convicted of domestic abuse.

The solicitor added: “He seems an individual who is unable to cope with alcohol and drugs and has difficulty controlling his temper.

Sheriff Desmond Leslie said: “I’m not just simply dealing with one woman. That is of grave concern.”

Oliver was placed on a Community Payback Order with three-year supervision, a requirement to attend the Caledonian System for two years, and a Conduct Requirement prohibiting him from residing with his current partner. He will return to the court on October 25.