An Ayr man repeatedly raped a vulnerable man with learning difficulties over a nine-month period.

Alistair McCreath assaulted his 24-year-old victim on three occasions last year.

The 52-year-old from Carrick Street in Ayr has been jailed for four years after admitting raping the man, who was incapable of consenting, at a village in Ayrshire between January and September 2016.

McCreath has also been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Judge Lord Boyd of Duncansby said at the High Court in Edinburgh: "I can only conclude you did this because you could and you thought you could get away with it."

McCreath was also told if he had been convicted of the rape offence after trial he would have been sentenced to a longer term of seven years' imprisonment.

The court was told how McCreath had no previous convictions and had been "a law-abiding member of the community" before the attack but was unable to explain his actions.

Defence counsel Susan Duff also said at the time of the offence it appeared McCreath had been drinking more than he should have.

She added: "He is willing to undergo treatment to address his behaviour."