Andrew McIvor, of Catriona Place in the town, grinned in the dock as the events of March 15 were recounted.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard last Tuesday how the 22-year-old woke up residents at Hillfoot Avenue by shouting in the street.

Prosecuting, Claire Martin said: “They were woken by a male voice outside their window. He was shouting about soldiers being shot by the IRA. He was seen staggering and appeared to be drunk.

“He then made his way to the witnesses front door and started banging on it, shouting and swearing. He was asked to leave, with the witness saying he may have the wrong door, however, he continued. The witness then called police.” Court heard how McIvor had been relieved of active duties from the army for a snapped Achilles tendon and hyper-tension.

When police arrived on the scene, he was still shouting and swearing in the front garden and was asked to leave.

At this point he turned his drunken outburst on police, shouting: “I’ll square go you.” He was then arrested, but resisted arrest, shouting sectarian abuse at the officers.

Brian McGuire, defending, told the court that McIvor, who served in the Scots Guards, hoped to return to the army after the outcome of this matter.

He added that, having served three months, McIvor was put on sick leave for three months before being dismissed.

Sheriff Eric Brown told McIvor he would not hinder his plight to return to the army too much, only imposing a financial penalty for his outburst.

He said: “You’re very fortunate the army are willing to give you a second chance. I’m also prepared to give you a second chance by ways that will not prejudice your chance of getting back into the army.” McIvor pled guilty to acting in a threatening and abusive manner, motivated by religious prejudice, and resisting arrest.

He was fined a total of £220 and ordered to pay at £20 per fortnight.