AN AYR man caught with a rock of cocaine after police raided a party in the town ‘s White City area last summer has avoided jail.

Andrew MacDonald, 54, admitted possessing just under 3.5g of the drug after cops carried out searches on people who had been attending an all-night party in Russell Drive, North Wallacetown, on June 6 last year.

MacDonald was caught in possession of the drug while he was the subject of a bail order imposed just five days before the offence.

MacDonald was placed under supervision and told to ‘turn things around’ when he returned to Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

The procurator fiscal depute told the December 14 hearing: “The accused was found with a white rock, which on analysis contained 3.2 grams of cocaine.

“He was cautioned and charged, and made no reply.”

When he returned to court last week, defence solicitor John Gillies said: “He has had a drug problem for many years. He’s been going for some assistance and trying his best.

“He could do with some further support. It was a situation where he was caught with a relatively small amount – he uses now and again.”

Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart said: “You need to turn things around now. I will put on a community payback order with supervision for 18 months. There will be a review in five weeks time. If not complying with the order I will impose custody.”