Teenage offender punched community payback supervisor

A teenage offender got himself into even more trouble after he was put on a community payback order – by lashing out at his supervisor.

Christopher Roberts, 19, was supposed to be doing unpaid work when he punched the council worker who was responsible for overseeing him.

The incident was captured on CCTV and landed Roberts back in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

The teenager, of Rosewell Drive, Lochore, was told he could now be facing a custodial sentence.

He admitted assaulting Brian Gillespie, his community payback supervisor, by punching him and knocking him to the ground.

The attack happened on August 24 at Fife Council’s premises in Dickson Street, Dunfermline.

Sheriff Pino di Emilio said he took a dim view of the matter, particularly given Roberts’ record.

“This is an extremely serious matter on any view,” he said.

“The prospect of imprisonment is very high. It cannot be tolerated.

“His position is extremely precarious. It’s not a good record,” added the sheriff.

Defence solicitor Lee Qmsieh said his client had been banned from doing unpaid work at the scene of the offence.

However, he said he had been able to secure a place at a charity shop instead.

Speaking directly to Roberts, Sheriff di Emidio told him: “You have a problematic record for someone so young.

“I want to emphasise to you that all options remain open to the court on this matter.”

The sheriff called for reports and Roberts will return for sentencing on May 23.