A serial shoplifter has been warned he faces jail if he doesn’t get help with his addiction issues.
Mark McCutcheon, 30, of Cumbrae Drive, Motherwell, appeared for sentence at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He faced 22 theft charges and one charge of assault.
Defence agent Diarmid Bruce said his client’s life had “disintegrated” through drug abuse, but he has started to address his problem and a criminal justice social work report was “quite positive”.
Sheriff Colin Dunipace pointed out that social workers described McCutcheon’s level of engagement previously as “poor”.
He told the accused: “That concerns me, but I am prepared to impose a community payback order.
“I’m giving you fair notice that if you don’t comply with this you will be looking at a lengthy period in custody.”
McCutcheon was placed under supervision for two years and ordered to attend addiction services.
He must also carry out 120 hours of unpaid community work.
