A PRESTWICK driving instructor has been placed on the sex offenders register for making sexual comments to two learners and kissing one of them on the neck.

David Dunlop, 63, was found guilty of two charges of communicating indecently with learner drivers – one female, one male.

He was also convicted of carrying out a sexual act without the female learner’s consent during various car journeys in the course of his work.

Dunlop made comments of a sexual nature towards the woman, made comments about her breasts and asked her questions of a sexual nature between October 1, 2020 and October 18 last year.

The offences were committed in Ayr and other places in South Ayrshire.

He was also found guilty of sexually assaulting the same woman by kissing her on the neck in the car at Main Road, Ayr or elsewhere in South Ayrshire on October 18, 2021.

Dunlop, of New Dykes Road, Prestwick, was found guilty of making sexual comments towards a male learner driver during various car journeys which took place between October 1 2020 and October 18, 2021

When he returned to Ayr Sheriff Court for sentencing last week, Dunlop’s defence solicitor asked Sheriff Siobhan Connelly to impose a fine on her client following his conviction.

The lawyer said Dunlop had earnings of £500 a week and was currently living at home with his wife.

Sentence had been deferred until July 21 to allow time for the preparation of a criminal justice social work report.

Referring to the content of that report, Dunlop’s solicitor said her client’s words “may have been misconstrued”, but that he accepted the outcome of what he said “would have been the same no matter”.

Sheriff Connelly told Dunlop: “The court considers this a serious matter – more serious than a monetary penalty.

“I will take into account this is a first offence.”

Dunlop was put on a community payback order with strict social work supervision for 12 months – and was warned that if he fails to engage he could still be locked up.

Sheriff Connelly told Dunlop: “You will also be required to undertake the notification requirements in terms of the Sexxual Offences Act for 12 months.

“I’m not going to fix a review [of the order]. I trust you will engage with social work.

“If you don’t cooperate, the court can consider other options.”

Any information on criminality across South Ayrshire can be reported to Police Scotland by contacting officers on 101. In an emergency always dial 999.