A COALSNAUGHTON man has been threatened with jail time if he fails to comply with his unpaid work order.

Craig Elliot was hauled before Alloa Sheriff Court last week to explain his “fragmented” attendance for community payback shifts.

The 30-year-old, who employs three people, was given an unpaid work order in answer to an offence of threatening and abusive behaviour, which took place in Tillicoultry High Street last August.

On Thursday, July 13, he appeared before Sheriff David Mackie who demanded an explanation for what he viewed was non-compliance.

Elliot's solicitor, Liam Robertson, explained to the court that his client’s work commitments were making it difficult for him to complete unpaid work sessions – though he had carried out some shifts.

However, the sheriff was unimpressed with the notion, saying his actions “paints a very poor picture” of his intentions.

The lawyer pleaded with the court to allow Elliot, of Simpson Drive, one more chance to engage.

Sheriff Mackie told the accused: “You are very, very close to a custodial sentence; you are simply not doing well enough on this order.

“You can’t keep coming to court and saying: ‘If I go to jail then three people I employ will lose their jobs and their families will face hardship’. You are the one who put them there.

“I know you work but you have to do a lot better.

“You have been given the opportunity to deal with this offence in the community but you are making a fool of the court’s order.”

The sheriff then deferred sentencing for three months to allow Elliot the chance to make some “real progress” on the order.

He will return to court in October this year.