A MAN from Troon was found in possession of cocaine on a night out in Prestwick.

Josh Hunter, of North Shore Road, had the class A drug on his person and also assaulted a steward at Elliot’s Public House in Prestwick on February, 18 2017.

The 22-year-old appeared before Sheriff Leslie at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

The court heard that Hunter became aggressive towards a bouncer and when the police found bags of white power, he claimed to have found them in the toilet.

Procurator Fiscal, Mr Toal, said: “On Main Street, in Prestwick, at 2:15am, the accused was seen swinging an overhanging lamp.

“The accused didn’t leave when told by the bouncers so he turned and became aggressive towards the steward.

“The accused then pushed him into a gazebo at the public house. The police attended and the accused was hand cuffed.

“When a full body search was carried out, the police found six white bags of power.

“Nine grams of cocaine were found on the accused.”

Speaking on his behalf, a defence solicitor, said: “Mr Hunter is a 22-year-old single man and he was out drinking with his friends. At the end of the night, someone hit the lights that were above the booth that they were in so the bouncers came and told them to leave.

“One of the friends was made to leave by the bouncer and the accused got involved.

“My client is a first time offender and he admits that he found the cocaine in the toilets of the public house.”

Sheriff Leslie issued Hunter a Restriction of Liberty Order as an alternative to custody. He is to remain at his home address from 8pm to 7am daily.

Sheriff Leslie said: “I do not believe for one second that you found the bags of cocaine in the toilets so please do not come here and lie to my face as someone tried to get the drugs off of you.

“The possession of cocaine is a very serious matter.

“I do not see why you would need supervision so instead of going into custody, I am giving you a Restriction of Liberty Order for four months.”