A Maybole drug dealer who held his hands up to police as soon as he was caught has been ordered to pay proceeds of crime cash.

Angus McNeish admitted supplying quantities of cannabis near the old Co-op supermarket in the town’s High Street on March 23 and 24 this year.

The 56-year-old was also given unpaid work when he returned to Ayr Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to a charge of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug.

The court heard the cannabis had a street value of approximately £500, and that officers also recovered a wallet containing more than £1,000 in cash, as well as other items indicating a connection with drug supply.

The procurator fiscal depute said: “At 10.30pm on March 23 this year police were on patrol and observed a vehicle. They witnessed the accused exiting the driver’s seat, and a strong smell of cannabis was noted.

“They engaged with the accused. Further officers attended, and a search was carried out. The accused, and a passenger, made no reply.

“The accused then stated there was a bag under the driver’s seat and it was drugs.

“Officers searched his wallet and found that it contained £1,020. They also recovered weights during the vehicle search, and a zip-up bag, containing nine bags of herbal cannabis, weighing 62 grams. 

“The accused freely admitted he sold the bags. He was arrested and taken to Kilmarnock police station.

"The accused was interviewed and made relevant admissions regarding the sale of controlled drugs. He was cautioned and charged and made no reply. The street value was approximately £500.”

Sheriff Maria Kicinski said social work reports and a restriction of liberty order would be needed before sentencing.

When he returned to court for sentencing last week, McNeish was given a confiscation order for a total of £2,321.85.

He was also placed on a community payback order and will have to complete 50 hours of unpaid work, reduced from 70, within six months.