A DUMBARTON man terrified two primary pupils after he approached them and asked the youngsters to work for him for "a tenner each".

Ronnie Parry, 38, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court for sentencing after he pleaded guilty to putting the Renton Primary pupils, both aged 11, into a state of fear or alarm in September 2017.

The procurator fiscal told the court: "The pupils left school and the accused approached them appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

"He asked the boys: 'Are you in a gang?'

"The boys said 'no' and he went on to say: 'If you work for me for a bit, I'll give you a tenner each, I'll let your parents know you're with me.'

"The boys were scared and went off in a different direction.

"The accused shouted after them. At that point, the children ran to one of their houses and said 'a paedo is trying to steal [the witness].'

"At that point, the boys mother came out to investigate. One of the boys were crying. The accused was tracked nearby at Renton rail station.

"The boy's mother confronted the accused, and at that point, she thought he had learning difficulties or was under the influence of drugs.

"The accused stated he didn't know [the age of the boys] and that he'd return to the area to 'do in' the witness.

"Another parent arrived and photographed the accused getting on the train.

"Police Scotland received numerous calls from concerned parents."

Solicitor Scott Adair said Parry, of Eastfield Crescent, suffers from drug addictions and mental health issues as a result of post traumatic stress disorder.

Mr Adair asked Sheriff William Gallacher to punish Parry by ordering him to carry out unpaid work for his "bizarre behaviour".

Sheriff Gallacher said: "In my view, this matter should have been brought to court instantly.

"Things are different from when they were.

"I'm satisfied the circumstances are due to intoxication but this is a serious matter and significant for those involved."

Parry was ordered to carry out a community payback order.

He will be placed under supervision for 18 months, carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within six months and be placed on a drug treatment and testing order.