Freshstart foroffender
A serial offender locked up in a COVID-hit prison has been given a second chance by a sheriff
Thomas Park, 39, faced sentence on a string of charges – including shoplifting and threatening or abusive behaviour – on Monday.
But the East Kilbride man wasn’t brought to Hamilton Sheriff Court because of a virus outbreak at HMP Addiewell where he was being held.
The court heard that the West Lothian prison is currently in lockdown and Sheriff Scott Pattison agreed to deal with the case in Park’s absence.
The accused also admitted breaching bail conditions repeatedly.
Defence agent Andy Thomson said Park has a drink problem but has been doing well on a community payback order imposed for previous offences.
Sheriff Pattison allowed the order to continue and imposed a four-month electronic tagging order in relation to the most recent charges.
That means that Park is confined to his home between 7pm and 7am each day.
East Kilbride Citizens Advice Bureau has urged local people to be on their guard against scammers who are cold-calling people, claiming to be from the CAB.
Michelle Campbell, East Kilbride CAB manager, said:“We’ve recently heard of several instances where people are cold-calling members of the public and claiming – wrongly – to be from the CAB.
“These callers are saying they are part of a scheme to help people who are in debt or financial difficulty, and are asking people for their bank details.
“I want to say categorically that CAB never makes unsolicited phone calls like this, and that whoever is making these calls is not doing so on our behalf. In fact, no CAB would never cold-call people like this.
“So if you get such a call claiming to be from the CAB, it is a scam. Be on your guard, and spread the word to all your friends and neighbours to make sure they do the same. Especially people who are older or vulnerable.
“And, of course, if anyone does want expert advice on their finances, debts or other problems, our CAB is ready to help. You can contact us at 01355 263698 or by e-mail on administration@eastkilbridecab. casonline.org.uk .”
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) has warned that bogus inspectors have been taking pets from homes.
The SSPCA has warned Scottish communities, including South Lanarkshire residents, to be vigilant following a number of incidents of fraudsters trying to remove animals from their homes.
The callous tricksters are using a white van with Scottish SPCA stickers on it.
But officials say that SSPCA vans are predominantly black with the charity’s branding.
Genuine inspectors will be able to produce photographic ID and will be happy to provide residents with their vehicle registration.
Residents are being told that if they are at all unsure about someone who comes to their door, please ask them to wait outside and call the charity immediately.
Chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We would urge anyone who has experienced this to get directly in touch with us. We will then notify Police Scotland who can investigate this fraudulent behaviour.”