A MAYBOLE man who strangled his next door neighbour after forcing his way into their home has been jailed – after turning up in court apparently under the influence.

John Herous, 54, was jailed for charges of assault and threatening abusive behaviour arising out of an incident in the town last year.

Court papers stated that Herous, of McDowell Terrace, Maybole, strangled his next door neighbour on June 22, 2022 by grabbing hold of his neck and then applying pressure to it, to his victim’s injury.

He also caused the man fear and alarm by shouting and swearing while forcing his way into the property uninvited.

He also repeatedly banged on the door and letterbox at the property.

Herous initially appeared in the dock at Ayr Sheriff Court last week without a lawyer; when asked who, if anyone, was representing him, Herous named local solicitor Hugh Duncan.

Before leaving the court, however, Herous was ordered back into the dock and told that he was being taken to custody because he was suspected of being under the influence.

When he was brought back to court later that afternoon, Herous was jailed for four months.