A HABITUAL thief and drug addict has been handed a chance to get clean after she was put on an intensive two-year rehabilitation programme.

A report found Jade Burgoyne would be a suitable candidate to take part in a drug treatment and testing order (DTTO) programme.

Burgoyne, of McColl Avenue in Alexandria, was placed on the programme at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Friday after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to the most recent in a series of thefts committed around West Dunbartonshire.

That most recent offence happened at the Asda supermarket in Clydebank at 7.40pm on April 1, when she stole a quantity of clothing and watches.

A previous court hearing had been told that Burgoyne had not even managed to get out of the store with her haul, which had an estimated value of more than £200.

At that April 27 hearing, the presiding sheriff agreed to defer sentence for three weeks for a DTTO assessment to be carried out – and that assessment found that the 25-year-old, who has previous convictions for shoplifting, assault and breach of the peace, would be a suitable candidate for the programme.

Burgoyne's solicitor, Roddy Boag, told Friday's court hearing that his client had “waxed and waned” over the years in terms of her drug use and criminal behaviour.

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry told Burgoyne: “Over the years this court has tried most things to deal with your offending behaviour, but I don't think you've previously been on a DTTO.

“The other thing that has not been tried so far is a lengthy period in prison. A DTTO is a direct alternative to prison, and it's not an easy option.

“You will be appearing before me 23 or 24 times over the next two years, Each time I will be told whether you have been behaving yourself and complying with the DTTO. I will also generally be advised as to what your attitude is.

“If you do everything right, a DTTO probably represents the best chance you are ever going to get to turn your life around.

“If you do not comply, or commit further offences, we are probably at the stage where we're looking at prison.”

The first review of Burgoyne's order will take place on June 23.