A MORMON grandfather jailed last week for sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl now faces being excommunicated.

Two representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ were in Ayr Sheriff Court last week to hear James Broom sentenced to 15 months.

Broom, 62 was appearing on deferred sentence.

He had earlier admitted using lewd, libidinous and indecent practices towards the girl in his home in Mossblown between October 1 2007 and February 2, 2008.

Council for Broom, Mr Matt Jackson said: 'He is a deeply committed Christian and is a member of the church. It is as a consequence of his membership of that church that this matter has come to the light of the authorities. He faces church proceedings which he expects may result in him being excommunicated.' Mr Jackson added: 'He is in no doubt whatsoever that what he did was wrong and that he should have done better by the child.

'He is sorry for what he has done - not sorry for himself but sorry for any harm he has caused.' Broom was described as an 'old fashioned' family man and reformed alcoholic who has been sober for 30 years.

For the full story see this week's paper - on sale now!