A MAN from Ayr was found under the influence of drugs and possession of cocaine.

Robert McCulloch, of Stonecrop Place, was claimed to have drove a motor vehicle at Sandgate in Ayr, whilst under the influence of drugs and possessing four small plastic bags of cocaine.

The 59-year-old appeared before Sheriff Leslie at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

The court heard that McCulloch broke his previous bail after witnesses seen the accused stagger through the town and get into a car on the morning of Thursday, February 2.

Procurator Fiscal, Mr McLean, said: “At 10:20am, the accused was driving on Sandgate. His vehicle was bumped into and the accused apologised to the witness and there was no damage to the vehicle.

“The accused was then seen pulling into a parking bay and the witness reported the incident to the police, not because of the bump, but because of the intoxication of the accused.

“The accused was monitored on CCTV where he was seen to leave the car and was staggering in the town centre.

“He was then seen going back to the vehicle.

“The witness went to see the accused and he was in the driver’s seat with the key in the ignition and the witness then took the keys until the police arrived.

“The police arrived at 11am and the accused agreed to provide a breathalyser test and at 11:20am he was arrested.”

Mr McLean continued: “When the police carried out a body search, they found four small bags of white powder in his jeans which was 3.2gm of cocaine.”

Speaking on his clients behalf, defence solicitor, Mr Maxwell said: “This has certainly been a wake up call and his behaviour can be somewhat challenging.

“His family and his son who lives in Australia were not aware that he was in custody.

“I ask you to impose a Community Payback Order (CPO) and assistance with a psychiatric background to be explored.

Sheriff Leslie issued a CPO as an alternative to custody and he was also disqualified from holding and obtaining a driving licence for three years.

Sheriff Leslie said: “This is a worrying case of driving whilst under the influence of drugs and you have been in custody for a while.

“Someone of your age, who has not been in a situation like this, must be a wake up call.

“I am going to give you a Community Payback Order with 18 months supervision and part of this order, you will carry out 120 hours of unpaid work over a period of six months.

“You are disqualified from holding a licence and driving for three years.

“I am going to keep my eye on you so I want you to come back in three months.”