A SHERIFF has denied a sick note excuse to a stalker who failed to complete his court order.

David Fyfe, of Cherry Drive, Girvan appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court last week, claiming that he was 'too ill' to finish his community payback order.

But Sheriff John Montgomery branded the the medical evidence provided by a doctor as a 'cop out'.

Fyfe had repeatedly contacted his ex's friend through social media, phoned her father, repeatedly approached her friend enquiring of her whereabouts and phoned her other friend.

The 58-year-old was put on a community payback order on November 4, 2015 for two years and a non harassment order was issued for three years.

Speaking on his behalf last Tuesday, defence solicitor Steven Maxwell, said: "The long story short is that he has been of good behaviour. He says he is not well enough to carry our the Caledonian Project itself."

Sheriff Montgomery said: "That is part of the community payback order. I am not sure I understand all this. If he can attend the one on one sessions then why can't he attend this project.

"How long can he not attend this project for."

Mr Maxwell replied: "The answer to that is how long is a piece of string."

Sheriff Montgomery said: "I gave this order as a direct alternative to custody. I am struggling with the idea that his health matters does not allow him to attend one on one sessions with the social worker. It seems like a cop out to me."

Mr Maxwell responded: "I don't think so."

Sheriff Montgomery added: "That is the way it is to me. It is better than a team of rangers supporters to support him."

Sheriff Montgomery refused a change of the order. Fyfe will complete the rest of his community payback order of two years

He had also been placed on a non harassment order and cannot approach or contact his ex wife for three years.