Chance to see child’s birth

A sheriff has given a Coatbridge man the chance to attend the birth of his first child by not jailing him after he breached a court order.

Lee McDonald, 21, of William Street, was put on bail in October 2018 at Airdrie Sheriff Court, with the condition that he did not contact his partner or go near her house.

Airdrie Sheriff Court heard that he breached the order a month later and he was given the opportunity of a community payback order on July 17 last year.

Defence lawyer Rowan Myles, in an impassioned plea to persuade a sheriff from jailing McDonald, said: “He admits a breach of the order which had been re-imposed and the reports don’t make for good reading.

“In addressing the court I feel as if I am wading through quicksand.

“This is a young man who gave up some time ago.

“He was involved with social work at an early age, but through no fault of his own.

“He has been assessed as a high risk of re-offending. He has horrendous addiction issues.

“He is working as a driver’s mate which has produced a huge change in him.

“He is about to become a father and is desperate not to miss the birth of his first child.

“If he goes to jail he will lose his employment and the birth of his child and fears will go back to a situation of being a failure.

“At long last he is earning and providing money for his partner and child to be.

“He recognises he has brought all of his previous problems upon himself.”

Sheriff Derek O’Carroll then informed McDonald: “I have listened very carefully to all that has been said on your behalf.

“There are certain distinguishing features which I have taken into consideration and just – only just – will I impose a non-custodial sentence.

“I will revoke the previous community payback order put on you and impose a new one.”

McDonald was put on a new order with 18 months of supervision and ordered to take drug addiction treatment as required.

He was also ordered to be electronically tagged for three months between 7pm and 6am each day.

McDonald will return to court in one month to face a review of his community payback order.

The sheriff added: “It goes without saying that if you don’t take this opportunity then you will be leaving out of the back door the next time you come to court.

“I can’t make that clearer.”