A CLYDEBANK man has been put on the sex offenders register for asking two random women to perform a sex act.

William Mullen, of Abbeylands Road, previously pleaded guilty to the incidents on June 10 last year in the town.

The 30-year-old directed a sexual verbal communication at each of the complete strangers without their consent for the purposes of sexual gratification or of humiliating, distressing, or alarming each of the women.

One was at Roman Hill Road, the other at Croftpark Road, both Clydebank.

At Dumbarton Sheriff Court on January 13, Mullen returned for sentencing with the assistance of a sign language interpreter.

His defence solicitor told the court his client understood what the recommended sentence from social workers would mean.

He said: "It's appropriate he is made subject of a community payback order. He has indicated to me he understands the force and value of engaging in a period of supervision and is able to undertake a period of unpaid work, all as an alternative to custody.

"There may be difficulties but he appears to be an able and efficient lip reader so the issue identified may not be difficult as first perceived.

"He understands the notification requirements will persist for the duration of any order.

"He benefits from a supportive family."

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry told Mullen: "I want you to know that I think your behaviour was appalling. Completely innocent people were subjected to the sort of thing that they have every right to expect police and the courts to protect them from.

"It's only with some hesitation that I'm not sending you to prison.

"I'm told you would be vulnerable in prison."

Mullen was put on a CPO with 18 months of supervision by social workers. He must do 150 hours of unpaid work in the community within a year.

He will be on the sex offenders register for 18 months.