A MAN who committed a series of fraudulent transactions in Clydebank has been ordered to carry out unpaid work as a punishment.

Robert Connelly, whose address was listed as the Talbot Association, Kingston Hall, Glasgow, went on a spending spree buying alcohol - with a Santander bank card that did not belong to him.

On July 24, 2017, the 37-year-old spent £19.59 and then £16.72 at the G101 off sales on Drumry Road East.

He then went on to spend another £16.72 at the Great Western Service Station, and £17.18 in the Scotmid Co-op in Riddell Street, all on the same day.

Connelly was on bail from Glasgow Sheriff Court when he committed the crimes.

On Friday Connelly appeared for sentencing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court.

Fiscal depute Emma Thomson told the court: “The accused’s position was that his friend - not the owner of the card - gave the accused the card.

“Santander refunded the money. It is Santander that is out of pocket.”

Connelly’s lawyer told Sheriff John Hamilton: “He is a man of 36 with significant alcohol dependency. He has successfully completed two related unpaid work orders.

“I asked him if he feels fit to carry out unpaid work and he said yes.”

The sheriff replied: “Did he just say yes as an alternative to jail?”

Connelly’s solicitor asked the sheriff to consider imposing an unpaid work order and a spell of supervision by social workers.

Sheriff John Hamilton said: “I’m going to impose a community payback order.

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“As you are aware this is a punishment to pay back to the community.”

Connelly was handed 12 months’ supervision and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, to be carried out within six months.

This was reduced from 125 hours because of his guilty plea.