AN AYR man has been locked up after punching a female in the face.

James Lynch, of Church Court, Ayr, assaulted a woman at Princes Court, Ayr after a night of drinking with friends on May 2.

The 27-year-old appeared from custody in front Sheriff Robert Weir at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Procurator Fiscal, Scott Toal, said: "A 31-year-old female was in her house.

"At 1:15am, she heard voices outside and she seen the accused walking along the path near to her house.

"A smoke alarm was going off so she called a near by friend and they went outside.

"The accused was with two other men.

"He asked the complainer for a cigarette.

"He punched the complainer in the face and immediately turned away.

"She quickly gathered herself and ran to her house with a burst lip."

Scott Toal, added: "The complainer called the police and the accused was apprehended due to this and because he was heavily intoxicated."

He was represented by both Steven Maxwell and Ian Gillies.

They said: "I would advise to select a period of custody as this is the practical outcome.

"He never meant to hit the female and fully accepts that he should not have done it.

"He is recalled to carry out his previous sentence put on him."

Sheriff Robert Weir concluded: "In this circumstances of the offence, this needs to be remarked.

"I will give you six months imprisonment, reduced from eight months for your guilty plea."