A prisoner smeared a police station cell door and walls with excrement.
Brandon Watson had been arrested after he was caught prowling outside a property in Larkhall.
Watson, 24, of Hawick Crescent, Larkhall, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He admitted being found in Mason Street in suspicious circumstances during the early hours of October 10.
Watson also admitted causing a mess in his police cell and illegal possession of a bladed item – a screwdriver – on a separate occasion.
Watson has previous convictions but defence agent Diarmid Bruce said the latest criminal justice social work report was “decent”.
Mr Bruce added: “He was homeless and taking valium at the time of these offences.
“However, he has worked hard with the social work department and finally has a tenancy.
“For someone like him that can be a game changer. He is also in employment.”
Sheriff Colin Dunipace said he was prepared to impose a community payback order as an alternative to custody.
Watson will be under supervision for a year and must remain in his home between 7pm and 7am each day for two months under an electronic tagging order.
The sheriff also ordered him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid community work.
