A HILLFOOTS teenager was told to think about his future after coming "as close to a custodial sentence as you can get" at Alloa Sheriff Court.

Rocco Giannandrea received the warning from Sheriff Craig Harris when he appeared for sentencing on Thursday, November 12.

The 19-year-old appeared in relation to multiple charges, which were narrated to the court by prosecutor Susannah Hutchison.

On April 8, 2019, at a school in Tulliobdy, Giannandrea culpably and recklessly threw an unknown object at the windscreen of a car being driven by his former partner.

Solicitor Kelly Howe said "a gesture was made" by the complainer as she drove by, and her client's "emotions got the better of him".

Last year, between April 1 and August 31, Giannandrea also breached Scotland's Domestic Abuse Act by engaging in a course of conduct that was abusive towards a different partner.

Amongst other things, he smashed his girlfriend's phone, entered the female toilets of a pub and shouted at her, and followed her in a car.

Ms Howe claimed difficulties stemmed from the fact the girl "wasn't faithful and wasn't honest" to Giannandrea – who was "particularly immature" at that time.

Giannandrea committed a further offence on October 2, 2019, by being in possession of a knife in the common close of an address in Alva.

Neighbours attended at his property over noise issues, and Giannandrea went inside his house then came back out with a bread knife which had a six-inch blade.

He was ushered back into his property shortly after emerging with the weapon.

Ms Howe said two men had threatened to "kick Rocco's c**t in" and it was suggested he retrieved the knife out of fear for his own safety.

And in relation to several breaches of bail that Giannandrea was also due to be sentenced for, Ms Howe said he previously did not appreciate the consequences of such offences.

She added that he was showing signs of maturing and is leading a more stable life, and asked for a non-custodial sentence to be imposed.

During a previous court hearing, Ms Howe had also cited sentencing guidelines regarding young people, and argued a custodial sentence would have a "catastrophic effect" on her client's rehabilitation.

Sheriff Craig Harris said: "If it wasn't for your age, then there would be a significant custodial sentence imposed.

"This is a defining moment for you.

"In 20 years' time, you will look back at this moment and the months that follow it.

"If you take the opportunity given to you today, you may well be reflecting back on this with a job, maybe with a family.

"If you don't take the opportunity, you may be thinking about this from a prison cell, having seen most of your adult life disappear behind a prison cell.

"There are two paths you can choose, and I hope for your sake you follow the right one."

He then placed Giannandrea, of Alva, on a community payback order requiring him to undergo supervision for two years.

He will also be required to complete the Caledonian Men's Programme, and participate in the Venture Trust programme.

Giannandrea was also given 115 hours of unpaid work, and placed on a curfew for 210 days between the hours of 7pm and 7am.