A notorious crook who went on a thieving spree armed with a pair of scissors has been placed on a tag with a warning ringing in his ears.
William Hutton, 50, who has more than 100 previous convictions, was spared jail despite targeting shops in Paisley.
Desperate Hutton even claimed he was only stealing “for money for food and electricity,” when he was snared in the town’s High Street.
Yesterday he appeared for sentencing after pleading guilty to charges of stealing a quantity of razors from Superdrug in the Piazza Centre, on August 29, 2019.
He also admitted stealing a quantity of DVDs from WH Smith, High Street, on August 30, 2019.
Hutton of Spiersfield Court, Paisley, also admitted possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, namely scissors, without reasonable excuse or lawful authority.
He pleaded guilty to breaching a special condition of bail preventing him from entering Paisley town centre.
The court had obtained background reports in preparation for sentencing him when he appeared in the dock before Sheriff Colin Pettigrew.
Defence agent Mark Chambers urged the court to spare his client custody because he suffers from a number of health difficulties.
He added his long-standing addiction to drugs lay at the root of his offending behaviour.
He said: “He understands this is a serious matter and the cumulative effect of these offences on the indictment could lead to him spending up to two-and-half years in prison.
“He was terrified when I explained to him the power your Lordship has in determining his sentence.
“That is how serious this situation is for him.
“His consumption of Valium and other substances have lead to his offending behaviour.
“But I would ask your Lordship to step away from sending him to custody today and impose a community-based sentence including a Restriction of Liberty Order (ROLO) as a direct alternative to custody.”
He added Hutton was willing to undertake whatever order the court would impose - such was his fear of custody.
Sheriff Pettigrew said he came very close to locking him up, telling him: “I am well aware of the background of your offending record and have a fair close knowledge of it over the years,” but added he was prepared to hand him two court orders as an alternative to jail.
He placed him on an electronic tag for seven months, requiring him to remain indoors between 8pm and 8am.
He also placed Hutton under mandatory supervision of the social work department for 18 months where he will have to attend appointments and drug counselling meetings as directed.
Hutton who will appear for a review of his behaviour on May 11, was warned not to not breach the court’s orders or will be handed custody.
