A MAN who was facing jail after breaching his community payback order told a court he had to move out of West Dunbartonshire because of the pressures of Universal Credit.

Jye Rooney, 23, appeared from custody at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Wednesday, when he pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a CPO by not completing 80 hours of unpaid work imposed on him by a sheriff.

He handed himself into police, a warrant having been issued for his arrest, and spent the weekend in the cells.

Rooney, formerly of Colquhoun Drive, Balloch, where he stayed with his girlfriend, moved back to stay with his mother in Airdrie, as to stay in Balloch would have affected his partner’s benefits.

Rooney was given a CPO on February 23 after pleading guilty to wilfully damaging a glass door at Preparation for Life, Bridge Street, Alexandria on August 11, 2017.

Lawyer Jim Roberton said: “He is asking for a final opportunity to complete his CPO. He accepts he is fully responsible for the failure to complete it. He is someone who has anger management issues.

“He moved away to live in Airdrie. He could not live at his girlfriend’s home as staying with her could affect her Universal Credit. She was on benefits so he moved back to his mother’s home.

“He was informed there was a breach of his CPO issued and there was an angry retort.

“He tells me he tried to do the unpaid work but could not find the pick up point for work in Clydebank as he didn’t know the area.

“He accepts he could and should have made phone calls. It has been a negative experience for him living in this jurisdiction.

“If given one last opportunity to complete the whole order he will take it.

“His lack of asking for help has put him in this position.”

Sheriff Hamilton asked Rooney: “If I extend this order and give you time to complete it, what will happen if you don’t comply?”

Rooney told the sheriff: “I will definitely go to jail.”

The sheriff added: “Correct. This is your last chance.

“You will be given six months to finish the order. If you don’t you will be breached, brought back in front of me and there will be no other options other than jail.”