A MAN who was caught in a stranger's back garden in Hurlford ended his night in hospital.

William Fowler was discovered on the property of the Wallace Court home by the owner's dogs who were barking at him from the kitchen on August 12 this year.

The 36-year-old was leaning down in the garden when the Hurlford resident looked out of the window.

She opened the window to ask him what he was doing and he slurred back: "I need to get upstairs."

Fowler, of MacIntyre Place, then approached the backdoor and tried the door handle.

She told him to get out before she informed him that she was going to phone the police. He climbed the six foot fence and made off.

Later that evening at 1.20am police officers were travelling on Main Road in Crookedholm and they spotted Fowler who they arrested after a short foot chase.

He was charged and taken to Crosshouse as "his demeanour was deteriorating".

Fowler previously pleaded guilty to being in the curtilage of the home without lawful authority to be there, so it could be inferred that he had the intention to commit theft.

He committed the offence whilst granted bail on five different occasions between March and July 2024. The Kilmarnock resident also admitted two charges of breaching curfew conditions between August 12 and 13. 

Fowler appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court for sentencing from custody on Wednesday where his lawyer explained that a short period in prison had helped him focus on overcoming his addiction.

Simon Brown, defending said: "You will see a very extensive record of previous convictions but nothing of this type before. If he can do his part then there will be increased family support for him."

Sheriff Laura Mundell said: "You have told me before that you want to be considered for a drug testing treatment order (DTTO) and there are only a very limited number of places in these orders. They are very sought after and if someone is very fortunate enough to be placed on this level of intense support and they don't take the chance they will be removed.

"What this report tells me is that the structure and support you would get from a DTTO would benefit you in addressing your addiction.

"There are some concerns as to whether or not you will be able to manage it because it is hard and requires a high level of commitment. You would need the support of your family and friends in the community. I am going to take a chance on you."

Fowler was placed on a drug testing treatment order for 18 months with a further review set for November.

The sheriff added: "The ball is in your court."