AN ALLOA man who appeared in the dock while under the influence has been spared a period on remand.

Kevin Barr had pleaded guilty to shoplifting and threatening workers and police.

He was due to be sentenced at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday, September 6, but presented in an unfit state.

The accused fell asleep in the courtroom before his case was called and appeared unsteady on his feet when in the dock.

His lawyer admitted her suspicions that he was under the influence of a substance and he was sent to the cells by Sheriff Linda Smith.

When the case was recalled, the prosecutor said that on January 25 of this year the accused had stolen £4.30 worth of food items from McCalls on Main Street, Sauchie.

The offence was committed while on bail for another matter.

More recently on August 7 at Aldi on Whins Road, Barr was seen by staff making for the exit holding a bottle of wine.

Staff blocked the exit which caused the accused to become aggressive as workers pressed the panic button to alert police to the incident.

He left and was apprehended by officers, to which he replied: "F*** off, c***s."

Later on, Barr said to officers: "My name has f*** all to do with you. I am a f***ing n****r."

Sheriff Smith noted that despite a three-year-old community payback order (CPO) there had been no de-escalation in his offending.

However, Claire McCarron, defending the 28-year-old, refuted that suggestion by saying there had been a clear break in offending.

Sheriff Smith then decided that, while reports are prepared, Barr would be remanded in custody which visibly upset the accused.

However, following a plea from Ms McCarron, the sheriff agreed to bail Barr to his brother's address on Duncanson Avenue, Alloa.

The case will call again on September 27, while, in the meantime, he will be subject to a curfew between 8pm and 8am.