A MAN from Troon has admitted threatening his son via text message, showing up at his school intoxicated, shouting and swearing abuse.

The 40-year-old pled guilty to acting in a threatening and abusive manner towards the 12-year-old, likely to cause him to suffer fear or alarm.

The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, repeatedly contacted the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, by text message telling him he would attend his school and threatened him.

The boy's father appeared before Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart at Ayr Sheriff Court last Wednesday, April 13.

The court heard that on February 23, the child was reluctant to meet his father and was terrified he would show up under the influence of alcohol.

Two other children nearby heard the accused shouting and swearing stating: "I am going to find my son and batter him because he is a little c**t."

The children were concerned for the accused's son and three of them including the son went to the school to tell a teacher as they were upset.

Defence solicitor Ian Gillies, said: "The boy is 12 and lives with his mother. There had been difficulty in the home. His behaviour made his mother contact the father as she wanted him to have a relationship with the child.

"He does see is son on a regular basis and accepts actions for his behaviour. He had left the school by the time the police officers got there.

"He was not going to do it. [Hurt his son] It was an expression. There has been no repetition of this behaviour but he does have an alcohol problem."

Sheriff MacTaggart spoke responded: "You know what is the problem. Not only was his son frightened but other children where frightened. .

Mr Gillies replied:"The boy says he did not want to get his father into trouble or not see him. The boys mother says he was upset that he is not seeing his father.

"My client says that his father said that to him. I have said that this may be true but it is changed days and you cannot speak like this even to your own son."

Sheriff MacTagart concluded: "I want more information into your problems with alcohol. Your bail is continued on the same conditions. You are still not allowed contact with your own son."

The case was continued.