A crack cocaine smoker has been jailed after luring a man into a flat in Ayr to steal his Rolex watch.

Hammer-wielding Darren McDevitt was handed a three-year jail term for two shocking offences after he followed up the robbery at a flat in Church Court by mugging another man near an underpass in town while armed with a knife.

McDevitt was told that his record of previous convictions meant there was no alternative to prison.

The procurator fiscal depute told Ayr Sheriff Court: "On Friday, April 14, 2023, the witness was walking in the Wallacetown area wearing a Rolex watch. 

“He passed the locus and observed the accused at a window asking him to come in for a joint. 

“The accused made small talk while rolling a joint and asked the witness to pass him a hammer.

“The witness then turned his head and observed the accused swing the hammer.

“A struggle ensued on the sofa with the accused on top of the witness pinning down his forearm.

“He unclipped the Rolex and removed it.

“The witness managed to break free. He decided to return to attempt to retrieve the watch but observed the suspects exit.

"Police attended the locus and noted blood in the close.”

The second incident happened on August 2 last year.

The fiscal depute continued: “A witness had had several alcoholic beverages and left a friend’s property at Princes Court walking on the underpass near Russell Drive.

“They observed a male, the accused, standing at the path. The accused asked for a cigarette, and the witness offered a disposable vape and put it in his mouth and then walked with him.

"Pinning him to a wall, the accused grabbed the witness’s throat. In his left hand he had possession of a knife with a black handle.

“He asked for money and was shown an open wallet. He went through it, taking a bank card, and found 25p and threw it to the ground.”

McKevitt was traced on August 9 and appeared in court the following day, when he was remanded in custody.

McKevitt’s solicitor said: “At the time of the offences he was living a chaotic, transient lifestyle.

"A breakdown in a relationship led to a period of homelessness and a return to old habits, in particular to misuse of the drug crack cocaine.

"He hopes to make a fresh start. He is putting his time in Kilmarnock prison to good use, and is presently stable on medication and attending art classes."

Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart said: "These are two extremely serious offences on indictment, stood against your record. I have to take account that weapons were used."

McKevitt’s jail term was backdated to August 10.