AN ALLOA teen has been handed a revised community payback order as a “fresh opportunity” to reverse his errant lifestyle.

David McKenzie (19), of Burgh Mews, was sentenced for two counts of assault, two separate driving offences and an attempt to defeat the course of justice.

On 20 August 2013, he assaulted a woman at his home address by repeatedly seizing hold of her and pushing her against a wall.

Six months later, on 31 January, he was pulled over by traffic police on Clackmannan Road and it was discovered the teen was driving without a license and without insurance.

When questioned by police, he gave a false name and was later charged with attempt to defeat justice.

On 20 April 2014, he then assaulted a man in Mar Street, Alloa, when he repeatedly punched his victim on the head.

Before Alloa Sheriff Court last Thursday (20 November), McKenzie tendered a guilty plea for the offences.

Ross Anderson, defending, said his client was “fully aware” of the seriousness of his ongoing offending, but added that he was now seeking to address his behaviour.

With regards to the driving offence, Mr Anderson also told the court that McKenzie had purchased the car with the aim of giving it as a gift to a friend.

He said: “Although the buying of the car was of good intentions, he accepts the way in which he did it was inappropriate.” In sentencing, Sheriff David Mackie opted to hand the youngster the chance to take a more active role in addressing his criminal behaviour.

Sheriff Mackie said the teen’s current community payback order will be revoked and replaced with new terms in respect of the three charges.

He told McKenzie: “This won’t go away; you will have to complete the order.

“What I’m going to do is give you a fresh opportunity to do that and if you’re serious about putting this offending behind you then I suggest you embrace this order.

“You’ll receive all the help you will need from the court, including myself.” McKenzie will now carry out 200 hours of unpaid work over the next 12 months and faces supervision for the next two years. He was also given a voluntary conduct requirement to attend the Venture Trust programme.

As a result of the driving offences, he was given six penalty points for driving without a licence and for driving without insurance his license was endorsed.

The case will be reviewed in three months time with McKenzie back in court on 20 February 2015.