A MAN has been sentenced for verbally abusing two women during a neighbours' dispute in Alva.

Liam McClelland, 32, branded one of his neighbours a "paedo witch" and was also appearing at Alloa Sheriff Court for drugs offences.

McClelland, now of Maxwelton Street, Paisley, admitted that on June 11, 2020 at Southcroft, Alva, he shouted abusive insults and threatened acts of violence.

He also admitted that on November 4, 2020, at Greenhead, Alva, he was in possession of etizolam.

Then on July 9, last year, in East Kilbride, he was in possession of diamorphine.

Depute fiscal Susannah Hutchison said McClelland had shouted at two women, aged 68 and 59, in a back garden area.

He called out, "fat b******" and "paedo witch". He also said, "You're getting your face taken off".

He later told police: "I was getting verbally abused. She was shouting at me."

Defence solicitor Michael Lowrie said: "There was some animosity between him and his neighbours. He reacted in a bad way on this occasion.

"He's had his problems in the past but has now removed himself from this area."

Sheriff Neil Bowie imposed a community payback order with nine months of supervision.