An inmate at Glenochil prison smashed up his cell causing more than £6000 in damage.

James Gallagher became irate after being told he was not being allowed to vape and his actions have landed him back behind bars.

Gallagher, 43, of Brewery Lane Homeless Hostel, Dundee, appeared for sentencing at Alloa Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on June 13, 2021 at HMP Glenochil, he maliciously caused damage to various items by flooding his cell with water, kicking and throwing items, smashing a TV set and damaging the spy hole on the cell door.

Depute fiscal Rachel Wallace said Gallagher was in an observation cell when the incident occurred. An argument broke out with prison staff about him not being allowed to vape and he began damaging the cell.

He flooded it, smashed a TV and damaged the spy hole, causing £6033-worth of damage.

Defence solicitor Charlotte Watt said her client was upset at the time as he had just been told his mother had a terminal illness.

The court was told that Gallagher should have been sentenced in October last year but did not turn up for court and a warrant was granted.

Sheriff Neil Bowie jailed Gallagher for 225 days.