David Smith had a canister containing the prohibited gas capsaican at a property in Dunellan Drive, Duntocher, on October 13 last year.

The dangerous spray was inside a bag which came to the attention of a concerned neighbour who called in the police.

The 25-year-old, who regularly posts Facebook pictures of himself posing in front of the mirror, was seen acting in a suspicious manner but he left the scene before the police could speak to him.

It was only later that he was arrested and taken to Clydebank police station where he made no reply when cautioned and charged.

However, last week when Smith, now of Lesmuir Drive, Yoker, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court he admitted having the noxious liquid gas in his possession.

Fiscal depute Carol Cameron told the court that one of Smith’s neighbours was doing some gardening when she saw a suspicious-looking bag sitting outside Smith’s home.

Initially, the woman contacted her brother in law who quickly decided to call the police.

Ms Cameron added: “The police came along and they had a look inside the bag. While the police were there the accused was seen to be at the neighbouring garden rummaging about as if looking for something. He made off at that stage and was subsequently apprehended by the police.” She continued: “There was a forensic investigation carried out and the accused was identified as having DNA which matched that on the trigger of the spray.” Defence agent Mr Kavanagh told the court that his client was already subject to a community payback order in relation to another matter and still had to complete 290 hours of unpaid work.

Sheriff Paul Reid said that given the nature of the offence and Smith’s record, which he noted was populated with road traffic offences, he deferred sentence until January 15 to allow Smith time to complete the outstanding unpaid hours and for him to be of good behaviour.