A SHERIFF has given a Saltcoats man who had been stuck in a 25-year cycle of drug taking, offending and custodial sentences one final chance to turn his life around.

William Anderson was spared a further stint in prison when he appeared from custody at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Monday for sentencing on his latest offence.

The 41-year-old was convicted of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards his siblings at a property in Auchenharvie Road on April 11.

The court heard that Anderson, currently serving time at HMP Kilmarnock for breaching a bail order, turned up at the address at around 5.20pm and attempted to get access to the home in order to get money from his mother.

The procurator fiscal depute told the hearing: “His sisters didn’t allow him access and told him that he would not be getting any money from his mother.

“He began shouting and swearing and refusing to leave the garden.

“Police were contacted and the accused left. Police attempted to trace him but were unable to do so.”

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Anderson was traced by police a week later, on April 18, when he was cautioned and charged by officers.

Defence solicitor Brian Holliman said his client had an “unenviable record” and “entrenched addiction issues”.

Mr Holliman told the court: “He did not have a bank account of his own, his benefits were paid into his mother’s account, so he had gone to the address for money but it was his money.”

Mr Holliman then revealed that Anderson’s mother had passed away at the end of April.

He said: “Given his mother’s poor health his sisters were not prepared to allow him access to the house [on the day of the offence].

“His recent change in personal circumstances is his motivation to address his current addiction issues.”

Sheriff Michael Hanlon told Anderson: “Just on balance I am going to give you a chance, given your change in personal circumstances.

“I hope you are being truthful in that because it would be a terrible thing to say if not.

“I want to see progress because this may be your last chance to engage with an order.”

Anderson was placed under supervision by the social work department for 12 months and must carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within a year. A review of the order was set for August.