Addict given last chance to behave

A drug addict with a lengthy criminal record has been handed a last chance to turn his life around by a sheriff.

David McGregor, 32, who is currently serving an 11-month stretch behind bars, will be placed on a Community Payback Order when he is released.

McGregor, of Ferguslie Walk, Paisley, had previously admitted stealing perfumes from the Asda store at the Phoenix Retail Park, on April 10.

Sheriff Linda Smith placed him on an 18-month long CPO, involving social work supervision and assistance to tackle his drug addiction that his lawyer says has blighted his life.

Defence agent Terry Gallanagh told Paisley Sheriff Court that his client had been seeking help while in prison and had been prescribed an opiate-blocking remedy to steer him away from heroin.

McGregor, he added, had come from a troubled background with many family members in the grip of drugs, but seemed to be genuine in his efforts to change his habits.

Reports presented indicated that he had been placed on Community Payback Orders in the past without much success.

However, Mr Gallanagh stressed that his client was in a better state of mind now and felt more able to accept all the guidance that would be provided.

Placing him on the fresh CPO to commence when he is liberated, Sheriff Smith warned sternly that it would be a direct alternative to custody.

She stressed that she intended to keep an eye on him through regular reviews to monitor his compliance and progress, the first of which will take place on October 27.