Festive jail warning for out-of-control teen

Boozed-up lout smashed bookcases and crockery

A teenager has been warned he could spend Christmas and New Year in jail after smashing up a house.

Connor Alexander, 18, trashed bookcases, ornaments and crockery.

He was locked up for 14 months for another offence and has been told he could face even longer behind bars.

Appearing at Paisley Sheriff Court, the lout admitted destruction of property and acting in a threatening or abusive manner.

Sheriff Colin Pettigrew insisted he would add to the stretch if Alexander offends when he is released.

He said: “This is the first time you have spent any time in custody.

“I cannot determine today whether it’s going to change you or not – that’s up to you.

“I could add to it and you could be spending Christmas, New Year and several months after that in custody.”

Alexander was arrested after he went on the rampage at a house in Lochwinnoch.

He smashed plates, and damaged bookcases and valuables.

He also made violent threats and shouted foul-mouthed rants during the row on January 16.

The court heard he has since been sent down for 14 months for another offence.

He said: “This has been something of a wake-up call for him.

“He’s already contacted various classes and education courses about his consumption of alcohol.

“That’s very much at the root of his offending.

“He knows any subsequent offending will likely result in his immediate return to jail.”

The court heard Alexander would be homeless once he is released. Sentence was deferred for six months.

Sheriff Pettigrew ordered him to be of good behaviour.

“You need to convince me that I am not wasting my time. You are still a young man and I have not given up hope on you yet.

“If you offend when you are released, you will go back to jail,” he warned.

Alexander, formerly of Ayr, has been told to return for a review in March.

You need to convince me I am not wasting my time. If you offend again, you will go back to jail Sheriff Colin Pettigrew