A TEENAGER has admitted carrying out a sustained assault on a 15-year-old boy during a row outside a shop in the centre of Ayr.

The 17-year-old pleaded guilty to an amended charge of attacking his victim after a street chase in the middle of the town.

The youngster, who can’t be identified because of his age, admitted repeatedly punching his victim on the head and body outside the Spar store in Boswell Park on March 17.

According to court documents, the teen committed the assault while on a bail order granted at the High Court in Glasgow – and while he was also the subject of a police undertaking to appear at the city’s sheriff court in June.

When his case called at Ayr Sheriff Court last week, the procurator fiscal depute said a group of young people had been gathered at the bus station in Ayr at around 10.30pm on the night in question when disorder broke out.

The prosecutor added: “The accused challenged them [the witness] to fight and they ran off in the direction of Spar, pursued by the accused. 

"At the locus he began punching them to the head and body.

"Other witnesses working observed the accused's actions. As he was leaving, police were contacted.

"They traced the victim safe and well. After arresting the accused, he made no reply.

"He was taken to Ayr police office and processed in the usual manner."

Defence solicitor Tony Currie said: "He is still 17 and had a difficult upbringing, and a level of support in the community.

"The young group were out on the town and got into a fight. The only issue with the narration is that he says he was the victim and that he acted in retribution.

"He has a number of [criminal] matters outstanding, proceeding in the new year, but appears today with no record and is more settled."

Sheriff Desmond Leslie told the accused: "Try to stay out of trouble.

"Can you hold your temper? Do you have to jump in punching people?"

After the 17-year-old answered 'yes' to both, Sheriff Leslie deferred sentence for six months for him to show he can show good behaviour.

He will return to Ayr Sheriff Court next year.