North Ayrshire: Jamesy Donnelly avoids jail sentence

Jamesy Donnelly appeared for sentencing at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to seven separate charges committed in his home town of Saltcoats, as well as in Irvine and Kilmarnock.

Most of the 35-year-old’s offences related to breaches of bail orders.

Donnelly, of Keir Hardie Place, was sentenced last week after social workers were asked to prepare a background report.

He admitted being outwith his bail address during curfew hours on February 8, February 10 and April 16.

He also pleaded guilty to breaching a bail order by failing to attend appointments with his supervising officer between February 9 and May 8.

But his first offence was committed in Dalrymple Drive in Irvine on January 27, when he acted aggressively towards police and shouted and swore while in possession of a pair of scissors.

Then, on February 10, he was found within a vehicle on Irvine Road in Kilmarnock, without lawful authority and in circumstances where “it may be reasonably inferred that he intended to commit a theft”

On the same day he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner towards three people by swearing at them and telling them he was in possession of a needle.

David Tod, defending, said drug use was fuelling his client’s criminal behaviour, and said the social work report recommended Donnelly would be suitable for a drug treatment and testing order (DTTO).

These orders are imposed by courts in cases where someone’s offending is clearly linked to significant problem drug misuse.

They include an intensive programme of treatment, as well as a random testing regime to make sure the person is not using illicit substances, and frequent reviews in court.

Sheriff Alistair Watson commented: "I am concerned, because not all of your offending is drug related.

"Most of it seems related to a personality defect, but I am willing to give it a try."

The order will last for 18 months and will be reviewed for the first time in August.