A JUDGE has loosened her hold over a pervert who was spared jail for performing a sex act in view of customers and staff at an Ayr bar and restaurant.

Scott Nelson was seen outside The Growler on Beresford Road on a summer evening last year.

Customers and staff at the popular venue were left alarmed when they realised what the 25-year-old was doing at 8.15pm on the evening of June 7, 2022.

Nelson, of Cargill Avenue, Maybole, was spared a jail term last year after he pleaded guilty to a charge of public indecency.

Instead of prison, he was put on a community payback order with a period of social work supervision.

Nelson was also told he must take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes programme, which aims to address and change sex offenders' behaviour.

When he returned to court last week for a progress report on the order, Nelson was told he has made enough progress so far that he will not be required to come back to court for further reviews.

At November's sentencing hearing, the procurator fiscal depute said: “At 8.15pm in the evening on June 7 this year, a number of witnesses were in the restaurant.

"Two witnesses were at a table sitting directly opposite. The accused was alone and appeared to be going through his phone.

 

“They then observed his right hand going down into his trousers.

“The witnesses became nervous and then alerted staff who observed the same act. The manager was informed and police were contacted.

“Police traced the accused, who matched the description provided by witnesses.

“He was cautioned, charged and taken to Kilmarnock police office.”

When Nelson returned to court last week for a review of the progress on his community order, Sheriff Mhairi Mactaggart said: "Mr Nelson, you are through the first stage, so I will keep you on the order, with no further reviews."

Mr Nelson may yet require to come back to court in connection with the case - but only if his supervising social worker believes that the order has been breached in any way.