A CLACKS man who repeatedly targeted women on cycle routes and country paths in Clackmannanshire has been remanded in custody.

Mark Russell repeatedly hid in bushes and jumped out on women, subjecting them to frightening ordeals.

He also followed the females and would walk next to them at a close distance and intimidate them.

Russell, of Curlers Court, Dollar, appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday, November 18, via video-line from prison.

Sheriff Neil Bowie ruled that there was a significant sexual element in the crimes.

Russell had denied this through his solicitor Erin Monaghan, who described his offending behaviour as "weird".

The sheriff also said that comments made by Russell in a social work report were "very concerning".

Russell previously admitted a string of offences including that on November 21, 2019, at the Devon Way Cycle Path from Dollar to Tillicoultry, he pursued a female and maintained unnecessarily close proximity to her.

The court previously heard that on December 11, 2019, at Back Road, Alva, he acted in an intimidating manner towards a female, pursued her and kept unnecessarily close proximity to her.

Then, on May 4, last year, on the B910 near Linnmill Bridge, he concealed himself and jumped out at a female who was running there alone.

Between December 1, 2019, and January 19, 2020, at Back Road, Menstrie, he stepped out when a female was passing, followed her and kept unnecessarily close proximity to her.

On March 11, last year, on cycle route 767 between Dollar and Tillicoultry he pursued two females and maintained unnecessarily close proximity to them.

Then, on April 1, last year, again on cycle route 767 between Dollar and Tillicoultry, he pursued a female, maintained unnecessarily close proximity and breached Covid guidelines.

A few days later, on April 21, on the public footpath between Back Road, Dollar and Harviestoun Home Farm, he pursued a female, maintained unnecessarily close proximity and breached covid guidelines.

Finally, on May 7, last year, on the Old Railway Line 764 cycle route between Clackmannan and Dunfermline he concealed himself in bushes before pursuing two females.

Ms Monaghan called for the court to obtain a forensic psychology report.

Sheriff Neil Bowie agreed and sentence was deferred until January 6. Russell was remanded in custody.