Racist thug is sent to jail for breach of order

A racist thug who menaced a female employee at a Coatbridge petrol station has been jailed – for failing to comply with his court order punishment.

Frank Ryan, 54, repeatedly shouted, swore and made racially offensive comments towards the woman at the Esso garage in Coatbank Street on June 29 last year.

He denied the charge but was found guilty, following a trial, at Airdrie Sheriff Court on March 7.

Ryan, of Prospecthill Crescent in Glasgow, was first sentenced to a community payback order which included unpaid work as an alternative to jail time at Airdrie Sheriff Court a month later.

He was then granted a second chance to avoid prison when he successfully applied to vary the order after falling behind on his unpaid work.

Ryan was then given more time to carry out 80 hours of work in the community back in July – but failed miserably once again.

He resurfaced in the dock last Wednesday for an admitted breach of the order and defence solicitor Mark Fallon told the court his client was “anxious” to stay out of jail.

Mr Fallon said: “He breached the order but made several efforts to speak with the social work department; conversations became quite heated.

“He is fully aware of the position he has placed himself in; he is anxious to avoid a custodial sentence.

“I would invite Your Ladyship to continue the order, perhaps even with additional hours [of unpaid work].”

But Sheriff Petra Collins had ran out of patience with Ryan and refused to offer him a third opportunity, telling him: “I found you guilty after trial and told you your order was a direct alternative to custody.

“You have been given every opportunity and have done nothing.

“The order will be revoked and I will impose a sentence of four months in prison.”