A TEENAGER threatened to burn down a woman’s house and shoot her partner during a family fall-out.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be identified due to his age, sent messages to a woman that were “grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing nature” in Dunure and elsewhere on August 30, 2023.

He appeared for sentencing at Ayr Sheriff Court last week, when the procurator fiscal depute said: “At the time there was ongoing family issues.

“A voice note was sent on Snapchat from the accused at 9.30pm on August 30.

“It stated he would ‘just come burn your house down’ and ‘shoot your boyfriend’.  

"The accused was traced, arrested and made no reply when cautioned and charged."

Defence solicitor John Gallagher told the court "things have calmed down now" since the teen sent the "distasteful" messages.

Mr Gallagher said: "It was childish and immature but alarming to the recipient.

“His age is perhaps the reason. He got caught up in all the emotion there had been."

Sheriff Shirley Foran told the accused: "This is a serious offence. It's no way to conduct yourself. It doesn't matter if it was a family dispute. You should not have got involved.

"This will now follow you for the rest of your life."

The teenager was placed on a structured deferred sentence for six months to demonstrate good behaviour.

Sheriff Foran added: "This is not you getting off. The court will keep an eye on you."