A DUMBARTON man caught in possession of more than £1,800 of stolen goods has avoided jail.

Anthony Holloway was found with a string of items including golf bags and clubs, garden tools, a bike, a falconry hood, and a portable barbecue, as well as a pressure washer.

The 23-year-old previously pleaded guilty to a charge of reset and Holloway, of Hazel Avenue, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week.

Karen Nicol, fiscal depute, told the court police went to an address on Cumbrae Crescent South in relation to another matter on June 4 this year.

On their arrival, they saw goods sitting near the front door of the property which matched the description of some which had recently been reported stolen.

Officers spoke with Holloway and went inside, where they saw two golf bags which had also been stolen. He told police the bags had been bought the previous day and said they were probably stolen.

A warrant was obtained and police searched the property, fnding various other solen items with a total value of £1,830.

All of the items were identified and returned to their owners.

Judith Reid, defending, told the court her client had been living a “trouble-free” life for some time prior to the incident, adding that Holloway understood he was in danger of being sent to prison.

Sheriff William Gallacher said: “The problem with it is that those, like you, who are willing to engage in this, cause this environment where people have their property stolen.

“Your behaviour was disgraceful in that respect.

“You were clearly entirely aware where these were likely to have come from. It is unacceptable behaviour which harms those around you.” Holloway was ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work within six months.