AN East Renfrewshire man who attacked a woman and then chased her as she tried to run away has avoided a prison sentence.

Jack Jamieson, 20, had started shouting at Karen McLaughlin as she walked past him in the street and, when she told him to "go away," he kicked her hard on the left shin.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard how Ms McLaughlin tried to flee but he pursued her, so she screamed for help.

A man came to her aid by kicking Jamieson, who then left the scene.

Police were called about the incident, which took place near a play park in Kennishead Road at around 8.30am on May 9 last year.

Later that morning, Jamieson hurled racist abuse at a woman near an East Renfrewshire shopping mall.

Procurator fiscal depute Monique Cooney told the court that, at 9.35am, the woman was walking along Ayr Road, in Newton Mearns.

She said: "As she approached The Avenue Shopping Centre, she noticed a male behind her, the accused.

"He shouted 'P**i' at her and continued on. She called police. He was traced by officers and taken to Helen Street police office.

"When cautioned and charged, he replied 'I'm sorry about that'."

Jamieson, who previously pleaded guilty to assault and behaving in a threatening and abusive manner, returned to court this week for sentencing.

His lawyer said her client had no recollection of his behaviour.

She added: "He was diagnosed with ADHD before lockdown. He was abusing alcohol and cocaine, as well as taking medication.

"He has not been abusing drugs or alcohol since June 2021 and is only taking his prescribed medication. He was hospitalised twice as a result of his addiction issues and taking substances along with the medication.

"I'm not trying to seek to minimise his behaviour but there were reasons for it. With involvement from doctors and support from his mother and his own determination, he has managed to put this behind him.

"He has already completed three years of a joinery apprenticeship and is keen to finish this."

Sheriff Bernard Ablett described Jamieson's behaviour as "deplorable."

He told him: "You attacked a female who was simply walking down the road but, at a later point, you acted in a racist manner towards another female simply going about her own business.

"But I have taken into account what's been said on your behalf and I'm willing to deal with this in a non-custodial way."

Jamieson, of Newton Mearns, was ordered to carry out 144 hours of unpaid work, be under social work supervision for 12 months and pay £250 in compensation to Ms McLaughlin.