A YOUNG man who was previously convicted of assault has been given the chance to turn his life around and granted a personal license.

Kevin Dunlop failed to appear before the licensing panel on Wednesday, June 15 because of a previous commitment but was represented by his grandmother who praised his character.

The panel was informed that Mr Dunlop was convicted of two serious offences which he failed to disclose in his application form.

The 22-year-old from Mossblown failed to appear at Ayr Sheriff Court on undertaking and his sentence was deferred until August 2015 but he has now completed 90 hours CPO under supervision and 90 hours unpaid work within six months.

Speaking on his behalf, Kevin's gran Margaret Dunlop, said: "Kevin is a 22-year-old boy who works for Caledonian Windows. He is not a bad boy and this was a case of he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"I suppose any grand mother would say that but it is the truth. He is running Fourways [in Mossblown] for myself and my husband, when he is not working as a joiner at the weekends.

"When my husband and I are on the premises we have never had any issues."

Cllr Mary Kilpatrick, commented: "I think it is very brave of his grand mother to come here and do what she did. I do think Kevin has been through a very emotional time and I can understand how he must feel."

Cllr Alan Dorans added: "His conviction took place over two years ago. It is my understanding the offence would have taken place before that for one conviction of assault and one conviction of failure to show up at court.

"I can grant this application."

Cllr Peter Convery concluded: "I appreciate how hard it was for you to do this. His sentence does not tell me what happened but it was over two years ago."

The panel granted the personal license which will allow Mr Dunlop to sell alcohol.