A BARRHEAD man has been told to expect a 'lengthy prison sentence' after having sex with a teenager.

Michael Mowles appeared from custody at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week where he had previously pleaded guilty to having sex with the 15-year-old girl in Dumbarton on March 4, 2021.

He had repeatedly kissed her, led her to a secluded grass area near to a house, lay on top of her, pulled down her lower clothing and touched her genitals before having sexual intercourse with her. 

The 30-year-old assaulted his former partner the next day by seizing hold of her and repeatedly punching her on the head.

Mowles also assaulted a child by repeatedly punching her on the head and butting her on the head.

During his sentencing on May 16, his lawyer said: "He would seek to understand the effect of the offending on the complainer. What I am bound to have to accept is these two positions are suggestive of a need for supervision."

Sheriff William Gallacher replied: "The difficulty is that I am not sure what I have before me allows me to perceive in that direction because the [social work] report shows difficulty."

The sheriff told Mowles, from Barrhead: "I can't sentence you today. It is not your fault. I don't have the information I need. 

"I can't see any possibility I will impose upon you anything other than a lengthy custodial sentence. The question is what am I doing in addition to that?

"It is in the public interest, but also in your specific interest that I deal with the matter."

The sheriff deferred the sentencing of the case until next month.