AN AYRSHIRE chef recorded himself on Snapchat abusing a girl.

Stuart Martin repeatedly preyed on the youngster, who was left scared and in tears.

The 45 year-old was eventually snared when she bravely revealed her ordeal to a woman she knew.

Martin was then confronted while at his work - and begged for the police not to be alerted.

But the first offender is now behind bars after he pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to the attempted rape and sexual assault of the girl.

Martin, of Kilmarnock, further admitted taking or making indecent photos and videos of the youngster.

He will be sentenced next month.

The offences occurred on various dates in Ayrshire between January 2021 and October 2022.

Prosecutor Bill McVicar said Martin had been violent towards the victim, including pinning her against a cupboard and pushing her on the body.

He described after one incident the girl "broke down crying".

The court heard Martin went on to record his sick behaviour on a mobile phone.

The victim became aware he was doing this via the Snapchat app.

Mr McVicar said she "heard the sound of multiple photos being captured" and him taking videos.

The girl disclosed she had been abused after initially chatting to a woman about the dangers of vaping.

Martin then got a call at work about the accusations.

This included him pleading to the woman: "I am sorry, I am sorry. Please do not call the police."

Officers held him at his work and he admitted he had "touched" the girl.

Not guilty pleas were accepted to Martin distributing indecent images and videos as well as a further charge of him possessing them at a bar/restaurant in Glasgow's Ashton Lane.

Frances Connor, defending, told a hearing on August 8: "He has displayed absolute shame for his actions and is at a loss to explain.

"He does not seek to defend his actions in any way."

Martin had been on bail prior to the hearing.

But, Lord Clark told him: "In light of the number and nature of the offences, you are now remanded in custody."

Martin is due to be sentenced on September 3 at the High Court in Edinburgh.