A WOMAN from Maybole who made racially offensive remarks against her neighbours has been ordered not to contact them again.

Amanda Rutherford, now of Viewfield Road, Ayr pleaded guilty to acting in a racially aggravated manner which caused or was intended to cause alarm and distress to her downstairs neighbours on January 4, 2016.

The 31-year-old repeatedly banged on the floor, shouted, swore, made offensive and racist remarks and punctured a tyre of a motor vehicle causing a dent to the body work.

Rutherford appeared before Sheriff Desmond Leslie at Ayr Sheriff Court recently. 

Depute Fiscal Cath Whyte said: "The complainers have been neighbours with the accused for some time but there have been difficulties between the two families. 

"In early hours the complainer returned home from work and became aware of the banging and shouting from the flat below. The shouting continued. She shouted 'f***ing Polish b******s.

"The complainers were disgusted by them and reported this to the police. The neighbours heard a noise and thought it was the police but it was the accused who began attacking the body work of the car."

Speaking on Rutherford's behalf, defence solicitor, Glen Davies, said: "This is a very comprehensive report. She has had significant difficulties with alcohol and conviction in the last six years. 

"She had been released around about Christmas and New Year, and had been drinking about then. She has had difficulties with the neighbours. She has a background in mental health problems.

"Her mental health issues are currently being addressed and she has been making good progress."

Sheriff Leslie addressed the dock: "Well Miss Rutherford, you have moved away and seem to have taken a grip on this. I want you to be able to accept complete responsibility for this."

Sheriff Leslie allowed Rutherford's bail to continue but ordered her not to communicate directly or indirectly with the complainers. Sentence has been deferred.