A MAN who admitted several charges of threatening or abusive behaviour in Dumbarton and the Vale throughout the course of last year has undergone “a dramatic change” since his conviction, a court has heard.

Anthony Connelly’s solicitor told a hearing that he “literally didn’t recognise” his client when he met him ahead of his appearance in the dock.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard on Thursday that a residential rehabilitation programme for Connelly was due to finish at the end of this month – and the presiding sheriff admitted he had concerns about what would happen after that.

Connelly, 33, had been placed on supervision for two years after pleading guilty to five separate charges – and a further count of theft – at a previous court hearing.

He shouted, swore and repeatedly uttered offensive remarks in Cumbrae Crescent South, and on a journey between there and Clydebank police office, on February 9, 2016.

Nine days later, again in Cumbrae Crescent South, he shouted, swore and acted in an aggressive manner towards three witnesses.

On June 8 he committed a similar offence in Risk Street, and then, on November 8, he went back to the scene of his offences in Cumbrae Crescent South, where he went to the property in a drunken state, demanded entry and repeatedly hit doors at the locus.

Eleven days after that, he stole a quantity of clothing from Peacock Stores in the town’s Artizan Centre, and finally, on Christmas Day, he repeatedly shouted, swore and uttered offensive remarks at the Ladyton Hostel in Braehead in Alexandria.

All the offences were fuelled to some degree by alcohol – but Connelly’s solicitor, Tom Brown, said the rehab programme, at the Turnaround project in Paisley, appeared to be having the desired effect.

Connelly appeared in court on February 16 for a review of a community payback order imposed for the offences.

Mr Brown said: “There’s been a dramatic change in him. I literally didn’t recognise him.

“He’s due to be discharged on February 27. I’ve discussed with him what would happen after that, but the problem is, he’s on his own.

“He’s been trying to get accommodation through the armed services. He’s been assessed properly, and is completely sober.

“He’s in a much, much better position to accept help now but at the moment it’s not clear where he will go.

“It would be a terrible shame if he goes backwards rather than forwards, because he’s clearly making great progress.”

After a short consultation with members of Connelly’s family, in court for the hearing, Mr Brown said his client’s sister would be willing to take him in until he could secure his own place to live.

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry told Connelly: “Nobody working in the court system underestimates the damage alcohol abuse can cause. It destroys lives, it’s as simple as that.

“You have been lucky enough to be in a situation where there has been very focussed and experienced help available, but it appears you are about to lose that opportunity.

“The $64,000 question is: what do you do next?

“The answer will depend on whether you give yourself an excuse to take your first drink.

“If you give yourself that excuse, I think everything will tumble down.”

Sheriff Hendry fixed a review of Connelly’s supervision order for February 28 and warned him: “If you even look as if you’ve been consuming alcohol, I will remand you into custody.”