AN AYR man who behaved aggressively at a car wash after a woman was reportedly sexually assaulted was let off for threatening behaviour - but given more jail time for shoplifting.

Jack Neasham returned to Ayr Sheriff Court last week after he admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at the Ultra Klean 4 Car Wash in Peebles Street on May 12 last year.

The 28-year-old was sentenced for two separate complaints - the other regarding shoplifting offences and possession of cannabis - when he appeared from custody.

The Advertiser previously reported that Neasham was placed on a community payback order for 12 months, after threats made after things 'became heated' over 'allegations' that were 'not being taken seriously'.

We then reported in June last year that Neasham and a co-accused were later remanded and released on bail after pleading guilty to making further threats at the car wash.

When he returned to court from custody last month, defence solicitor John Gallagher explained Neasham acted out after he felt the complainer hadn't given assistance to a sexual assault complaint, adding things had 'calmed down significantly'.

Neasham and his co-accused were described as an "absolute pair of wee legends - proud of you boys" and "Two local hero's [sic] in everyone's eyes" by readers on the Ayr Advertiser Facebook page, after reporting previous court proceedings.

Neasham, of New Road, Ayr, was allowed to legally 'walk free' for the threats, while appearing from custody on other matters, but given further jail time for stealing groceries from Farmfoods on Main Street.

A procurator fiscal depute told the court: "At 5pm on the date libelled, he squared up to the complainer, calling him a 'beast' and a 'rapist'.

"He then threatened to kill the complainer, and lunged towards the complainer.

"Thereafter both accused left the locus."

Neasham pleaded guilty to stealing a quantity of groceries from Farmfoods in the town's Main Street on December 13 last year, as well as alcohol and electronic items from Morrisons in Castlehill Street on April 5 this year, both while out on bail.

The fiscal depute said the value of the groceries was £38 with no recovery while the Morrisons goods were worth £91, which were fully recovered.

He pleaded guilty to a further charge of being caught with 5.2 grams of cannabis whilst in Kilmarnock police station.

Defence solicitor John Gallagher said: "These matters have been running alongside for quite a long period of time. Mr Neasham is keen to clean the decks.

"The historic matter, the [female known to both of them] was the victim of a significant sexual assault at the hands of others, working for the complainer operator.

"He was someone known to them, there had been good relationship.

"It's fair to say both accused were under the influence and felt the offer to assist had not been forthcoming. Things degenerated quite quickly.

"Things have calmed significantly.

"It may be that due to the age of the section 38 [threatening or abusive behaviour] matter my lady may take a lenient view."

Sheriff Maria Kicinski said: "I have heard what was said by the prosecutor and said on your behalf, and take account of the circumstances.

"In relation to behaving aggressively, I will admonish you on that."

He was sentenced to four months in jail for the shoplifting charges to run consecutive to his current prison sentence and returned to custody.