TWO young girls were left upset and frightened by the comments of a drunk pensioner who pestered them on a bus.

The incident led to a court appearance for John Stein, 67, of Poplar Grove, Dunfermline.

He admitted that on July 4 on a Stagecoach bus travelling between James Street and Pitcorthie Drive, he conducted himself in a disorderly manner by repeatedly swearing and making offensive comments towards two girls, both aged 11.

Stein asked them personal questions, made comments about their appearance and made a reference to masturbation, causing alarm and committing a breach of the peace.

Depute fiscal Alex Piper told Dunfermline Sheriff Court: “The witnesses were waiting for a bus in the afternoon. The accused approached the girls and asked to sit on the bench next to them.”

When the bus came Stein then spoke to some boys and told them to move from where they were sitting. He then sat down next to a girl, who moved away.

He then started to talk to the other two girls about “not taking bad drugs”.

Stein told one of the girls that when she grew up she would take drugs and said the boys there would be “w******” when they were older.

He then told one of the 11-year-old girls that she had beautiful hair and that his hair had been that colour when he was young. He then asked the girl what age she was and where she lived.

“He continued using profane language throughout the conversation. The two girls were scared and upset. They could smell alcohol from him,” said the depute.

“Another adult came over and asked if the girls were okay.”

Defence solicitor Ian Beatson said his client formerly worked as an engineer in the gas industry.

“He had too much to drink on the day in question. He didn’t set out to scare the girls. It seems to have been a one-off and he very much regrets the incident. It’s been a wake-up call for him,” added Mr Beatson.

Sheriff Craig McSherry fined Stein £400.