A DRUG dealer has been given another 30 weeks to complete his unpaid work in the community after he did less than half of it.

Arthur McArthur, of Kilbowie Road, Clydebank, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court after he completed about 170 hours of the 300 given to him as punishment in May 2017. He originally had 10 months to complete everything.

Social workers themselves asked for an extension to the time for finishing the hours, though Sheriff John Hamilton was hesitant.

McArthur, 46, was in possession of diamorphine with intent to supply on August 1, 2016 in Montrose Street.

Defence solicitor Brian McGuire told the court on May 24 his client had taken up employment in April but he was finding it too difficult to balance that with the unpaid work and duties as a carer. He has since given up the job so as to get his court order done.

Mr McGuire said: “His purpose in taking up employment was laudable but he realises he has to complete these hours.”

Sheriff Hamilton said he was not impressed with what he read on the matter in the social work report given McArthur was “involved in the process of trafficking drugs in the community”.

He said: “With hesitation, I will allow the order to continue. The local authority is asking for 12 months – I think that’s excessive. Thirty weeks is adequate.”

McArthur’s progress will be reviewed in two months.

The sheriff added: “You better have sorted out your priorities.”