A Drongan man has been jailed after he was caught carrying a knife in Ayr.

Gary Brown pleaded guilty to a charge of carrying an article that was sharp or pointed, specifically a knife, in a public place while in Church Street on June 4 last year.

The 52-year-old was jailed after previously avoiding custody for similar offences.

The Procurator Fiscal depute said: "At 9.50pm on June 4, 2023 police witness were on mobile uniformed patrol in an unmarked car and observed the accused in the company of another male.

"The accused was observed entering the flat of a known drug dealer. After a short time he exited the common close. They spoke to the accused who seemed nervous.

"After stating he would be detained under the Misuse of Drugs Act, he made admissions he had a knife on his person. 

"The knife was recovered from his pocket."

Defence solicitor Steven Maxwell urged the court to step back from custody, despite Brown being on a community payback order for other matters at the time.

He said: "There has been no other nefarious actions since this occasion - this would allow my lady to step back from custody."

Sheriff Shirley Foran said he would have to be jailed in the circumstances having "previously been given the opportunity of a community-based disposal."

Brown, of Hannahston Avenue, Drongan, was imprisoned for 18 weeks.