A Kilmarnock man has been ordered to carry out unpaid work after abusing police officers and resisting arrest in the town.

Bryan Bell originally told Sheriff Colin Bissett that he would be unable to carry out such a court order due to his issues with anxiety.

However, the 29-year-old had a change of heart when he was told that time behind bars would be the alternative.

Bell, of Loreny Drive, found himself in the dock at the town's Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards police officers at his home address and en route to Kilmarnock police station.

He also admitted to resisting, obstructing or hindering the same officers by trying to prevent the application of handcuffs.

Bell had previously made admissions regarding the incident, which took place on September 21, 2022, though returned to court last week for sentencing.

The procurator fiscal depute explained that the 29-year-old was arrested at the time after police were called to his home over reports of a disturbance.

Upon arriving at the location, Bell did not open the front door to the officers. 

Police then spoke to him through the letter box, but Bell still refused to open the door and let them in.

The Kilmarnock man then began to shout and swear at the cops, who forced entry to the property due to "wellbeing concerns."

As they entered the home, Bell began shouting at them and said “f*** off you b*****ds.”

He told two officers they were “both f***ing c**ts”.

It was clear to police at this stage that he was under the influence of alcohol.

The two constables then arrested and cautioned Bell, who continued to shout and swear.

He was placed in a police van cell where he began kicking the inside of the vehicle and was abusive towards the officers, who he described as "f***ing b*****ds."

Bell refused to answer any questions at Kilmarnock police station and remained in the police office for "considerable hours."

Making reference to the background reports that had been prepared for the court, Bell's solicitor explained that they "underline his circumstances around his mental health and alcohol addiction at the time of the offence."

They added that he has engaged with addiction services since the incident and has recently found out that his ex-partner is pregnant with his child.

They added: "This has given him more motivation than ever to improve his mental health and seek help for his alcohol addiction."

Before Sheriff Bissett passed sentence, the solicitor added that "due to anxiety he would be unable to complete a community payback order (CPO)."

Sheriff Bissett commented: "The choice is he does a CPO or he goes to custody, he has an appalling record.

"Clearly whatever problems he has with alcohol, he has not been dealing with them.

"What are you going to say to me to persuade me not to send him to custody."

After a brief discussion with Bell, his solicitor informed Sheriff Bissett that the Kilmarnock man would be able to complete the court order.

Sheriff Bissett replied: "Does he understand that if he doesn’t do the work I am going to jail him?

"You have an unpleasant record for exactly the type of behaviour you are here for today.

"If you keep coming to the court for this type of behaviour, I will have no option but to lock you up."

Bell was then placed on a CPO, which will see him subject to social work supervision for 18 months.

He will also have to complete a drug treatment requirement for this period.

A final condition of the order will see Bell complete 100 hours of unpaid work over the next six months.