An army veteran who assaulted his girlfriend with a walking stick in Ayr was bailed after the court heard he had been a positive influence on the woman. 

Maybole's Dax McLatchie pleaded guilty to a charge of domestic aggravated assault on his partner Mill Street, Ayr when he appeared from custody on Wednesday, July 31.  

The 51-year-old former lance corporal admitted repeatedly striking her with a walking stick on the body, then seizing her and repeatedly punching her on the body on June 26 this year.

Bail was granted after the judge was persuaded he had been a "good influence" on his girlfriend, who was present in the public gallery and "hostile" to the prosecution.

Procurator Fiscal depute Alasdair Millar said: "The parties have been in a relationship for four months at the time of the offence.

"At approximately 6.45pm, the accused and hostile witness were in Smith Street, Ayr collecting food items and walking back through Mill Street, arguing between parties.

"This led to the accused grabbing a walking stick and striking her on the body several times.

"The accused began to walk away, then walked back towards the 'complainer' and grabbed her and began to punch her several times to the body.

"Police were called by members of the public who attended the locus. She stated several times the accused never touched her, however a number of members of public described this version of events."

Defence solicitor John Gallagher said: "On the day in question, both had consumed a good bit of alcohol. They were making their way home to Maybole and unfortunately she left a set of keys at a property. 

"What I'm saying is not victim blaming but she unfortunately has her own difficulties. He has certainly, from my perspective, been a positive influence. She herself would say that.

"Since they have become an item there have not been any fresh offences from her. She is extremely keen Mr McLatchie be liberated and allowed to continue this support.

"She came court next day protesting his innocence.

"He served six and a half years in the armed forces in the Scots Guards, with two tours in Northern Ireland before he was eventually discharged after reaching rank of lance corporal. He has since had PTSD diagnosed."

Sheriff Maria Kicinski said: "I'm going to call for criminal justice social work reports.

"I'm persuaded to release you on bail under standard conditions. I'm keeping the issue of any non-harassment order live."

McLatchie, Drumellan Street, Maybole, will return to face sentence at a later date.