A former St Johnstone and Dunfermline midfielder who admitted climbing up a drainpipe to spy on his ex-partner has been spared jail.
Martin Hardie admitted at Glasgow Sheriff Court that he spent more than two years stalking Kirsty MacLeod, from September 2012 to November 2014.
As well as climbing up the drainpipe of Ms MacLeod’s home, Hardie also repeatedly turned up at her work in the Braehead Shopping Centre in Renfrewshire.
The 38-year-old, of Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, was given a community payback order with the condition he must carry out 150 hours unpaid work.
Sheriff Sean Murphy QC also imposed a non-harassment order that prevents Hardie from contacting Ms MacLeod for two years.
Passing sentence on Monday, he told Hardie: “You must understand your actions over a considerable period of time must have been both frightening and alarming to your former partner.”
He said Hardie’s attempt to spy on his former partner by climbing up drainpipe must have been “extremely intimidating”.
The court was told Hardie and Ms MacLeod were in a relationship from January 2011 to September 2012, when Ms MacLeod ended it.
Hardie admitted he “engaged in conduct” which left Ms MacLeod in “fear or alarm”.
He pled guilty to a charge that included turning up as Ms MacLeod’s house in the Mansewood area of Glasgow, clambering up the drainpipe and that he “did watch of spy on her through a window”.
Procurator fiscal depute Dorothy Roy said Hardie had appeared at Ms MacLeod’s home in April 2013.
She told the court that she had recognised Hardie from the “outline of his figure” at the door. Hardie then climbed up the drainpipe and Ms MacLeod called a friend, who then phoned Hardie and told him to leave.
Hardie also repeatedly phoned and texted Ms MacLeod.
After she bought a new car he sent her two text messages about the vehicle, one of which included a photograph of it.
The court was also told Hardie appeared at Ms MacLeod’s work and “attempted to engage her in conversation”.
Ms Roy said: “The complainer didn’t respond to any text messages and didn’t answer the phone.”
In November 2014, Hardie had appeared at Ms MacLeod’s work and attempted to get her attention. She refused to serve him and another member of staff had to intervene.
As he left the story, Hardie told Ms MacLeod to “call him”.
Hardie’s stalking campaign ended in November last year when he sent and “abusive and offensive text message” and Ms MacLeod called the police.
The former midfield began his career at Queen’s Park before joining Partick Thistle.
He went on to play for Dunfermline Athletic, St Johnstone, Morton and Kilmarnock and Airdrie but has been without a club since last year.