Two men were caught with a knuckleduster and Stanley knife in a car in Ayr after trying to flee from police.

Liam Ross and Alexander Robertson, both aged 23, appeared in court after being caught with the offensive weapons in the car.

Ross admitted failing to stop his car when asked to do so by a police officer in uniform, and possession of the blade, on New Road, Crown Street and Green Street on September 8 last year.

Robertson also admitted owning the knuckleduster when the pair appeared in court last week.

The procurator fiscal depute said: “Police activated the blue lights, instructing the accused’s vehicle to stop. However it failed to.

“Fortunately, police in another car also attended, parking the vehicle in front and compelling them to stop.

“They approached the accused’s vehicle and saw, lying in the rear passenger seat, a knuckleduster and Stanley knife."

Representing Ross, of Indale Avenue, Prestwick, defence solicitor Gregor Forbes said: "He accepts he was signalled to stop and drove a short distance before police failed to stop.

“He has no explanation for the Stanley knife.”

Defending Robertson, of Doon Avenue, solicitor John Gallagher said: “He immediately admitted guilt at the first opportunity and has been candid with the supervisor preparing the social work report.

“The item in question came up on wish.com.”

Sheriff Christian Marney ordered Ross to do 54 hours of unpaid work and put him on a community payback order with 12 months of social work supervision.

Robertson was also placed under supervision for 12 months, but avoided any unpaid work punishment as a result of his earlier guilty plea.