A WOMAN who offended nearly twenty times while on community payback orders (CPOs) has been denied bail while she awaits sentencing.

Clackmannan's Michelle Jackson asked to be released from custody when she appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday, February 6.

The 36-year-old, of Garden Place, appeared in the dock in relation to eight matters: five diets of deferred sentence and three breaches of CPOs.

Jackson's offences included three thefts, possession of a Class A drug, and carrying a weapon – namely a telescopic baton – in public.

And she breached three concurrent CPOs which were imposed in relation to offences of Class A drug possession and theft.

Jackson was due to be sentenced last week, but background reports that had previously been called for were not available.

Her solicitor, Greg Cunningham, made a motion for her to be granted bail ahead of her next court appearance.

He outlined Jackson had recently entered into a relationship with a man who was also dealing with a drug problem, and said: "They have taken serious steps to addressing their heroin addiction."

But Sheriff Craig Harris refused the motion, explaining that Jackson's lengthy record demonstrated she was liable to reoffend if she was granted bail.

The sheriff told Jackson: "I'll adjourn for reports and a restriction of liberty order assessment.

"Despite an excellent submission from Mr Cunningham, you have been subject to community payback orders for three years.

"In that time, you have committed 19 offences; you cannot be trusted while at liberty."