Falkirk offenders ignoring payback orders

Sheriff Craig Caldwell had his hands full at Falkirk Sheriff Court as criminals continued to ignore their community payback orders.
Sheriff Craig CaldwellSheriff Craig Caldwell
Sheriff Craig Caldwell

Last Thursday’s remand court featured a number of offenders gambling with their freedom by not obeying the orders of the court.

Murray Forbes (19) received his community payback order after he assaulted a female police officer in Camelon Main Street on August 25 last year, just three days after assaulting another two police officers in Kintyre Place, Tamfourhill by spitting at them.

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Defence solicitor Stephen Biggam said Forbes had trouble with his order because he was homeless, but things would improve now he was moving in with his partner.

Sheriff Caldwell said: “Your engagement with this order is nowhere near satisfactory. I want a report that tells me you have attended every appointment.

“If you don’t then the order will be revoked and you will go to jail.”

Sentence was deferred on Forbes, 57 Deanfield Court, Bo’ness, until February 18 and a community payback order review was called for.

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Thomas Pearson’s non-compliance with his order, according to solicitor Gordon Addison, was down to continued alcohol abuse and a head injury.

The 45-year-old, 20 Seaforth Road, Langlees, got his community payback order for behaving in a threatening manner at Forth Valley Royal Hospital on June 17 last year after committing a similar offence in Falkirk Council housing office in David’s Loan, Bainsford, a day earlier.

Sheriff Caldwell said: “Your compliance has been poor. However, we will allow it to continue with a review fixed for two month’s time. If you don’t make any progress it will be revoked.

“You either comply or go to jail.”

Drug addict Robert Alexander (30), 29 Waggon Road, Bo’ness, admitted stealing watches from TK Maxx, Central Retail Park, Falkirk and a drill from B & Q, Middlefield Road, Falkirk on November 10 last year.

Sheriff Caldwell told him to comply with his 21-month drug treatment and testing order.

“There is only one alternative,” he warned.

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