A sex offender who attacked a 13-year-old girl in Cumnock has avoided custody after being left alone with three children under 16 - in breach of strict court orders.

Connor Templeton was put on a five-year sexual offences prevention order in 2021 after sexually assaulting the girl in Cumnock.

But he was back in court last week to face punishment for a breach of the strict rules around the order - and was warned that he'll be jailed for any further breaches.

Templeton, now 27, was found with three children under the age of 16 when police made an unannonced visit to his home in Broom Crescent, Ochiltree on March 13 this year.

Ayr Sheriff Court heard that the children belonged to Templeton's then partner, but that the couple were no longer together.

The procurator fiscal depute said: "Police attended at 1.30pm on an unannounced home visit.

"Police were allowed entry and observed three children under 16.

"He advised they were those of his current partner.

"The accused was arrested and taken to Kilmarnock police office."

Sentence on Templeton had been deferred until November 16 to await a social work background report - and defence solicitor John Gallagher told the court the report was a "mixed bag".

Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart said: "It will be a fine today, but if he breaches the order again it will be custody."

She told Templeton he would be fined £200, plus a £20 victim surcharge fund payment- reduced from £300 "as at least you pleaded guilty".

The Chronicle previously reported how Templeton was given a two-year community payback order and put on the sex offenders register for five years.

He was allowed no contact with anyone under 16 – other than supervised contact of his own child – and was ordered to wear a tag for six months.

Templeton, previously of Keir Hardie Hill, Cumnock, was found to have assaulted the 13-year-old after making sexual remarks to her on January 24, 2020.

He then placed his hand inside her lower clothing and touched her body.

The victim’s sister paid tribute to her courage after reporting the incident and giving evidence in court - telling the Chronicle afterwards: “He’s a vile, arrogant, sick, twisted individual and has shown absolutely no remorse.”

Templeton also admitted repeatedly shouting and swearing while acting in an aggressive manner towards police officers in a wooded area to the rear of an address in Keir Hardie Hill, Cumnock last year.

Templeton, then of Nessglen Road, Dalmellington, also claimed he had a weapon and made threatening gestures towards cops before repeatedly struggling with two officers - all while he was the subject of a bail order.