A WOMAN who appeared in court charged with various offences, including theft and fraud, has avoided a jail sentence.

Margaret Methven, 34, previously pleaded guilty to committing fraud by pretending she was another person and inducing an employee at the Bank of Scotland, High Street, to hand over £100 from that persons bank account on January 29 last year.

Methven, of Brucehill Road, also admitted stealing a purse and cigarettes from a property in Leven Court on July 16, 2019, as well as a mobile phone and a wallet from a property in Clyde Court on the same date.

On Thursday, Methven appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court for sentencing.

Scott Adair, representing, told the court: “Ms Methven has been regarded as being suitable for a drug treatment and testing order (DTTO).

“She has previously had such an order and is aware of the obligations for her to attend.”

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry told Methven: “This is serious. You have had an opportunity before for a DDTO.

“I’m going to give you the chance of dealing with your issues by putting you on a second DTTO.

“The important things are you must get to the appointments, you must not be under the influence when you attend, and you must do what you’re advised.

“It’s a long order – two years – but it will be a short order if you don’t comply as it will come to an end and you will be brought back to court and there will be the option to send you to prison.

“It’s highly unlikely you will get a third opportunity in the future.

“It’s important that you stop offending. If you carry on committing offences, that's just going to lead to jail.”

Methven was placed on a two-year DTTO with a review in a month for the offence committed in the bank.

Sentence was deferred for good behaviour on all other matters.