A warrant has been issued for a Maybole man who failed to appear in court to face knife crime charges.

David Deans, 40, of the town's McDowall Terrace, did not turn up for his hearing at Ayr Sheriff Court last Wednesday and the Procurator Fiscal asked for a warrant for his arrest to be agreed.

Deans faces charges of assaulting a man in his home street on February 27 last year by repeatedly striking him on the head with a vase or similar instrument.

It is also claimed he struck the alleged victim on the body with a knife, to his severe injury permanent disfigurement and impairment.

Deans' defence lawyer told the court: "He was last seen more than a year ago. He has been written to on various occasions."

A warrant for his arrest was issued by the sheriff.