Jail for 20-year-old with '˜deplorable' record

Between January and November last year Alistair Stevenson was arrested and convicted of a string of offences including using a crowbar to smash open the front door of a house in Falkirk, before banging on walls, turning over furniture and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner; shouting and swearing at his then partner at an address in Bo’ness and fighting with her; and threatening to fight three men in a street in Langlees.

He was already on a community payback order imposed after admitting threatening or abusive behaviour in Falkirk on October 2015, but each time had sentence deferred and was released on bail.

Stevenson appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court from custody last Thursday after being arrested on a warrant issued last month for failing to attend court after being caught in a house in Irene Terrace, Standburn, with Class B cannabis.

Defence lawyer Dick Sandeman urged Stevenson avoid jail.

He told the court: “Most of these matters are now of some considerable vintage and the relationship with the woman has now been terminated.

“He has the prospect of a job with a fencing contractor who will allow him time off to do unpaid work. He is aware of what the alternative will be if he does not to the hours.”

Sheriff John Mundy said in his view there was now “no point” in giving Stevenson, 64 Seaforth Road, Langlees, another chance to stay out of prison.

Revoking the community order he told him: “Your record for aggressive behaviour is deplorable for a young man aged 20 and can no longer be allowed to go unrecognised by the court.

“There can be no excuse for disregarding these orders. The time has come for a custodial sentence to deal with all these matters. I hope when you come out you will be a better person.”

Sheriff Mundy backdated the jail term to February 27 the day Stevenson was remanded in custody.