A MAN who was caught with a mobile phone while in HMP Glenochil has been spared from an obligatory "deterrent sentence" after turning his life around.

James Brewer received the reprieve when he appeared for sentencing at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday, December 17.

The 39-year-old previously pleaded guilty to being in possession of a mobile while in the Clackmannanshire-based prison on December 23 last year.

Mr O'Neill, defending, said his client had since been released from custody and now resides in Liverpool.

He claimed that when Brewer was in the prison he experienced "intimidation", which brought about the offence in question.

Mr O'Neill then said his client had found work and was making efforts to improve his life.

Sheriff Craig Harris said those who appear in Alloa Sheriff Court for such offences "regularly receive lengthy period of imprisonment".

He said: "The court has made it clear a deterrent sentence is required in these cases."

However, Sheriff Harris noted that progress Brewer had made to turn his life around would be wiped out if he was returned to custody.

In the circumstances, the sheriff placed him on a community payback order as an alternative to a custodial disposal.

Under the order, Brewer, of Broockwood Road in Huyton, must complete 225 hours of unpaid work.

The order was transferred to the relevant local authority in England.