A Paisley thug has been given a chance to prove he can comply with court orders after admitting to breaching two of them.
Brian Kelly breached the orders made at the town’s sheriff court in August and September. Kelly, of Queen Street, admitted he broke his bail curfew and conditions not to approach or contact his partner, Sharlene Reilly.
The 31-year-old was also caught in possession of a knife on September 5 – telling cops he had to carry it around “for protection”.
The procurator fiscal depute told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 6.45pm on September 5, police were instructed to attend Queen Street in relation to another matter.
“When police attended, they spoke to Sharlene Reilly and officers then carried out checks on the accused and noted he had bail conditions.
“At 6.55pm, officers heard a chap at the door and were met by the accused who immediately asked, ‘Where’s Sharlene?’ He was arrested for breaching bail conditions and searched.
“Officers discovered a yellow-handled Stanley-style knife in the accused’s trouser pocket and he stated, ‘that’s for my work’. He was cautioned and asked when he was last in work, and he replied, ‘Tuesday’.
“And when asked why he had the knife, he stated. ‘I’ve got to carry that for protection’. He made no reply to caution and charge.”
The court then heard how Kelly breached his bail order just a month prior to this occasion.
The fiscal depute explained: “On August 7, police were actioned to attend and anonymous report of a disturbance.
“At 8.50pm, officers attended and observed the accused with Sharlene Reilly who were on the street at the entrance of the common close.
“Officers took details and noted the accused’s bail conditions and that he was breaching his curfew and that he wasn’t to be with her. He was arrested and made no reply to caution and charge.”
Defence agent Stephen Graham told the court Kelly normally lives with his mum when he isn’t in custody.
He explained: “He pleaded guilty to the matter involving the knife when he first appeared from custody. On this occasion, he had been asked to leave the property by his mother and he had nowhere else to go.
“Due to his bail conditions, he erected a tent in the back garden and had all his belongings with him, including the knife. He knows that doesn’t make it acceptable and accepts he was in a bail order.”
Mr Graham added: “The couple wish to continue their relationship. He is acutely aware custody will be at the forefront of your mind and I wish to persuade you there is an alternative.”
Sheriff Morag Fraser slammed Kelly, stating: “You leave the court in a difficult position. Bail orders are put in place for a reason and you have two bail breaches here and previous convictions for breaches.
“You have to understand any offence that involves a knife is a serious matter for the court. I am prepared to give you an opportunity to live at home on a community payback order.”
Sheriff Fraser ordered Kelly to complete 160 hours of unpaid work in the community and made him subject to supervision of the social work department for two years.
In addition, he was made subject to a restriction of liberty order for two months whereby he must remain within his home from 7pm to 7am each day.
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