A THUG who kicked a man to the ground was 'provoked' Ayr Sheriff Court heard.

Jamie Larcombe, of Prestwick Road, Ayr admitted repeatedly punching his victim on the head and attempting to punch him on the body on August, 6 last year at Lidl on Ayr's Allison Street.

The 26-year-old appeared before Sheriff Desmond Leslie last week. The court heard how the incident took place at 8.30pm.

The complainer had been out with a group of friends in the town centre and made their way towards another group of people in the car park.

Depute Fiscal Lorri Pidgeon said: "The complainer approached Mr Larcombe. CCTV footages shows the accused kicking his legs which made him fall to the ground.

"He then punched him several times to the head. At 8.50pm the police attended. There was no trace of the men at that time.

"However, officers observed the CCTV and then managed to trace the complainer. He advised officers he had been assaulted.

"They noticed that the man was under the influence of alcohol and was acting in an aggressive manner. His cheek was swollen and officers asked him if he required medical attention but he declined.

"Mr Larcombe was found at a takeaway and was taken to Kilmarnock Police Officer where he was cautioned and charged."

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor Tony Currie said: "Mr Larcombe had a significant alcohol at that time. He has little recollection about this.

"Two youths approached him. Witnesses suggested they were aggressive towards him. They continued to goad him and provoked him.

"Mr Larcombe then went into the shop which he was found in."

Sentence has been deferred until August for Larcombe to be of good behaviour.