A DUNFERMLINE man narrowly avoiided a jail sentence after sexually assaulting a woman on a night out in PJ Molloys.

Stuart McVicars, 46, of Tuke Street, appeared for sentencing last Wednesday at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He was found guilty at a trial of sexually assaulting a female in that he did handle her private parts on January 15 at PJ Molloys, Canmore Street.

Defence solicitor Alexander Flett said: "Mr McVicars has difficulty understanding how he could commit such a crime and is extremely remorseful for his actions."

Sheriff Charles Macnair said: "This was the most appalling behaviour; the complainer was on a night out and she was entitled to enjoy a night out without being sexually assaulted by drunk people.

"I am not persuaded that you are remorseful and I think if you were drunk you might do it again.

"I am, however, prepared to deal with this just about in way of a non-custodial sentence."

McVicars was ordered to pay £1,500 in compensation to his victim. He will also have to do 280 hours of unpaid work and undertake three years of supervision.

He will also be placed on the sex offenders' registers for three years.

McVicars was part of the 1988 Pars team that won the BP Youth Cup against Dundee.

The Torryburn man also played for Scotland's under-18 side against Northern Ireland just a few weeks before the final.