A SEX OFFENDER ignored a ban on him being drunk in public and walked to a play park where teenagers had gathered.

Gary Paterson, 44, of Adamson Crescent, appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court and will now have to wear a tag.

He admitted that being subject to a sexual offences prevention order granted in July 2015 and being prohibited from consuming alcohol in public and from being intoxicated through alcohol in public, he breached this in Paton Street, Dunfermline on March 1.

Depute fiscal Katherine Fraser said Paterson was banned from drinking in public or being intoxicated as part of the court order.

At 4pm on Friday a check was carried out at Paterson’s home. He was seen sleeping on a couch but got up and answered the door. He said he had been drinking cider.

At 7.45pm the police returned to the house and there was no answer. Officers decided to look around the local area and Paterson was seen at 8.05pm walking past a play park where teenagers were gathered.

Officers continued to watch Paterson and he returned to his home nearby.

“He was clearly under the influence of alcohol and told officers he had drank five tins of cider,” added the depute.

Defence solicitor Stephen Morrison: “For the past three and a half years he’s stayed out of trouble.”

Sheriff Craig McSherry imposed a four-month restriction of liberty order, which means he will be tagged and have to remain in his home at times specified by the court.