A MAN whose son has been ill in hospital for a year has been given a last chance avoid jail.

Ryan Shaw, of Brunswick House, Mountblow, has failed to turn up for appointments and the community payback officers were in doubt as to whether he would carry out unpaid work as instructed.

The 19-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to shouting and swearing and threatening a man and making offensive comments towards police officers on January 24 last year at Burnside Court and in Mountblow. Shaw was on bail at the time.

Defence solicitor Gail Campbell admitted Shaw was on the “cusp of custody this morning”, but that he was in full-time employment and was dealing with “adult matters” with the illness of his son.  

She said: “Reading the report you can almost sense the frustration of the writer in some sections. There is scope to work with Mr Shaw. He does appreciate the seriousness of the order. His son remains in hospital – he is unable to leave hospital. The family visit pretty much every opportunity they get.”

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry told Shaw he gave his solicitor “very little matter with which to work” and that he could go to jail for 18 months. He blasted: “Which of the words ‘last chance’ is he not able to take on board? He seems to think the court order is a light suggestion.”

But, he gave Shaw one last chance. He has until June 9, his twentieth birthday, to prove he can comply with orders.

Sheriff Hendry added: “If you miss a single appointment, bring a bag with you next time because you’re going to prison.”