A MAN charged with throwing an axe at a moving car in Ayrshire which had a two-year-old child inside may be unfit to stand trial.

Damien Battison denies charges of culpable and reckless conduct, possessing bladed weapons, and assaulting police after an alleged incident on the A77 at Ballantrae.

The 42-year-old is alleged to have stood on the road and thrown an axe at the vehicle as it passed by on August 5 last year.

The charge states the vehicle was occupied by a couple and their grandson, aged two, at the time.

It is claimed that Battison caused the axe to collide with the vehicle, causing damage to the vehicle and danger to the lives of the occupants.

He faces two further charges of possessing a bladed article that was sharply pointed, specified in court documents as a knife and an axe. 

It is also alleged that he assaulted a female constable at Kilmarnock police office by spitting at her, causing spit and an elastic band to land on the officer's face.

Battison is also accused of assaulting a female force support officer by attempting to seize her body and spitting in her face.

During a continued first diet hearing at Ayr Sheriff Court, defence solicitor Quentin Muir said his client, whose address was listed as HMP Kilmarnock, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and currently receiving care at Ayrshire's Woodland View mental health facility in Irvine.

He added it was unclear if his client would be fit to stand trial, with the court considering holding an examination of the facts.

With delays in a full psychiatric assessment, Sheriff Foran said: "What is worrying me a wee bit is that he is remanded, and in hospital."

Mr Muir added: "He can't speak, so I can't take any instructions."

The said the complainers in the case are "decent people".

A further hearing was fixed ahead of a trial before a jury, or an examination of the facts, with the case due to call in Ayr Sheriff Court at a later date.

All accused persons reported in the Ayr Advertiser are considered innocent, unless they later admit to, or are found guilty of, the charge or charges against them.