A THUG, who had been pestering his ex, got into her car and punched her head while she was driving on the A77 between the Bankfield and Holmston Roundabouts. 

Reid Leary, admitted assaulting the woman in March this year as well as grabbing the steering wheel, leaning across to the drivers side, while they were travelling causing the vehicle to swerve across the carriageway and into the oncoming traffic.

Leary committed the offence just eight days after he had been placed on a community payback order for another similar incident.

The 22-year-old appeared , from custody, before Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart at Ayr Sheriff Court last week. The court heard how the pair had been in a relationship for six months. 

But it had ended in November last year but they had kept in touch over the phone but it got to the point that the complainer felt she had to block Leary’s number.

Depute Fiscal Lorri Pidgeon, explained: “On March 25, the complainer was staying in Glasgow with friends. On March 30 she received calls from an unknown number that she did not know.

“She found out it was the accused when he called her work. Her manager intercepted the call and told Leary that the woman could not take any calls.

“She left work and noticed the accused sitting outside waiting for her. She felt scared and could see that he did not look happy. She asked him to leave.

“But the accused got into her car and they left. The complainer’s car was swerving across the road. Leary reached over to the driver’s side and took her phone. She tried to get her phone back. 

“A witness, driving behind, saw the accused punch the woman three times on her head and shoulders. He then grabbed the steering wheel causing the car to go into the middle of the road.

“The woman managed to straighten the vehicle and put on her hazard lights. The driver in the car behind was concerned about the complainer’s safety and took a note of the registration plate.

“Leary grabbed the steering wheel again, causing it to into the layby. The driver behind, beeped her horn to let her accused know she was watching.

“She phoned the police, gave them the registration place and told them what she had seen. At 6pm the accused attended the complainer’s home.

“She had a swollen eyebrow but refused medical attention. Police told the accused to get into the back of their car. The accused said ‘it was just an argument’.”

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor, Jill Malloy, said: “My lady, Mr Leary has spend some time in custody. This has the first time he has been in prison and it seems to have been a lesson for him. He has matured but he clearly has issues with his anger.”

Sheriff Mactaggart said: “I will be candid. Eight days before this offence, Kilmarnock Sheriff Court placed him on an order for behaving in this way towards woman.

“I understand that there are underlying issues but my concern is that just shortly after he was placed on an order he behaved in this appalling manner.”

Leary has been caged for 30 weeks and has been placed on a non harassment order for two years. He is not allowed to approach or contact the woman.