A PRESTONPANS man who made threats and offensive remarks towards a woman and her two children over a 12-year period has been banned from having contact with her.

Derek Cairns engaged in a course of conduct that was abusive towards the woman and the children at an address in the town between January 1, 2011, and August 30, 2023.

During the abusive conduct over more than a decade, Cairns, of Preston Cross Cottages, repeatedly acted in an aggressive manner, uttered offensive remarks and made threats to all three victims.

The 63-year-old also assaulted one of the children by seizing and pushing her on the body on January 1, 2023.

Cairns pleaded guilty to the assault charge and abusive conduct charge that was prosecuted under the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016 when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in March.

He returned to the dock for sentencing last Wednesday, where Sheriff Derek O’Carroll placed Cairns under the supervision of the social work department for 24 months.

Cairns was also told to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work as a punishment and he must also engage with the domestic abuse organisation Caledonian Men’s Programme for two years.

Sheriff O’Carroll also imposed non-harassment orders banning Cairns from having any contact with the woman and one of the children for the next five years.