A thug attacked and robbed a disabled man of his wallet, bus pass and a mobile phone after barging into his flat in Ayr.

Ryan Smith, 35, admitted entering the property in the Sandgate area uninvited on April 18 last year.

After taking hold of the man, who a court heard had learning disabilities, Smith pushed the man to the ground then raided his pockets and robbing him.

Procurator fiscal depute Alasdair Millar told Ayr Sheriff Court: “The witness was living alone in a flat in the Sandgate, with a common close and secure entrance.

“On numerous occasions he requested social work assistance.

“The witness has learning disabilities and informed them he had issues with people taking advantage.

“The witness was in his home address, and after the social worker left, he left to get tobacco.

“He returned and was watching TV. At 7pm he saw the accused and a female appear at the buzzer. He still had his wallet in his pocket at this time and his door was open.

“He was grabbed then fell to the floor and was held and asked for money.

“The accused ripped his pocket taking his wallet, phone and bus pass.

“[The complainer] then left the locus but the police station was unmanned.

“The accused was traced and arrested the following day.”

Defence solicitor Tony Currie said: “He is 35 years of age. His record is non-analogous.

“I expect reports will be required. He has been on bail just shy of a year without issue.”

Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart deferred sentence for criminal justice social work reports

Bail was continued for Smith, of Campbell Court, Ayr, and he will return to court at a later date.

A plea of not guilty from Smith’s co-accused, 36-year-old Fiona McLeman, was accepted by the Crown.