Offendersays hewantstoend lifeofcrime after25years

An offender has told a sheriff he wants to put a life of crime spanning 25 years behind him.

James Marshall’s latest conviction was for stealing his former partner’s bank cards and phones, an act that led to him spending seven months in custody.

Marshall, 44, of Magna Street, Motherwell, admitted stealing the items from a house in Laburnum Road, Viewpark, on June 17 or 18 last year.

Marshall also admitted unlawful possession of bladed items – three syringes – in Merry Street, Motherwell, three days later.

Scott O’connor, prosecuting, said the theft victim had gone to bed, leaving two bank cards and two mobile phones in her jacket pockets in the living room.

He told Hamilton Sheriff Court: “The accused was downstairs on the sofa. The next morning a neighbour saw him leaving the house in a hurry and the woman got up to find he had gone and the items were missing.”

Marshall was carrying one of the bank cards when he was arrested on June 21.

Police were told he had offered drugs to a couple in Motherwell’s shopping centre.

Officers arrived to find the pupils of his eyes dilated. He was searched and three syringes were found in his bag.

Defence agent Bobby Reid said Marshall, a grandfather, has been “doing well” since his remand in custody in June, giving fellow inmates fitness coaching.

The solicitor added: “His focus is on his family. He wants to prove himself.”

Sheriff Andrew Mcintyre deferred sentence until next month for background reports and released Marshall on bail.

The sheriff told him: “It’s a depressing record, 25 years long. I wonder if you want to go on like this for the rest of your life or if you’re serious about trying to stop this carry-on.

“A community-based sentence might help you but the overriding reason for considering it is that it will definitely help the community if your offending is stopped or reduced.”