A WHITEINCH man who barricaded himself inside a flat forcing emergency services to break in has a final chance to avoid prison.

George Brownlie blocked the entrance to the Dalmuir Court flat on February 22.

The 45-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour in June, when sentence was deferred for a background report from social workers.

But no report was available when the Northinch Street resident appeared back in court on July 14 – and when he returned to the dock on Friday his solicitor said there was still no report.

Brownlie’s agent told Dumbarton Sheriff Court his client had made the care of his elderly mother a higher priority than going to see social workers for the report.

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry said: “Is there any point in persevering? I’ll give him one last chance but my patience is rapidly being exhausted.”

Addressing Brownlie directly, the sheriff said: “If, on the next occasion, there is no report, and that is in any way your fault, we will give up trying to get a report and I’ll just send you to prison.”

The case was adjourned until September 21.