A MAN allegedly threatened pubgoers with a knife and challenged others to fight in Girvan while attempting to punch a woman and swing a pool cue at another male.

Robert McIlwraith pleaded not guilty to charges of threatening or abusive behaviour, assault and possession of weapons following alleged incidents at Flynn's Boatyard, Bridge Street on April 8 last year.

The 32-year-old is said to have caused fear and alarm by acting in an aggressive manner, striking a pool cue on a pool table and breaking it while shouting and swearing,

It is claimed that he then brandished a blade, challenged others to fight and repeatedly attempted to enter the licensed premises again after being asked to leave.

McIlwraith faces further charges of allegedly being in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, namely a pool cue, and a further claim of carrying a knife.

It is alleged that he assaulted a man by 'attempting to strike him on the head with a pool cue' and assaulted a woman by attempting to punch her on the head.

Defence solicitor Katherine Grant said McIlwraith pleaded not guilty to the indictment during a brief pre-trial first diet hearing at Ayr Sheriff Court.

She said: "There are no defence witnesses or special defences. It is estimated a trial would last three days."

The procurator fiscal depute said the Crown was "almost ready" with CCTV and some witnesses outstanding.

Sheriff Shirley Foran said: "Let's get the trial in the diary."

Bail was continued for McIlwraith, of Ailsa Drive, Ballantrae.

He will return to court to face the charges at a later date.