A Girvan teenager will serve time in a Young Offenders Institution after wasting several chances to get back on the straight and narrow.

Stephen Gray breached his bail order first given to him in October last year for a series of offending that included being in possession of cocaine and assaulting a police officer.

The 18-year-old also committed theft by stealing a wallet and a quantity of foodstuffs from Iceland. His latest act of shoplifting was in March where he stole clothes from The Original Factory Shop in Girvan.

Gray failed to adhere to his curfew which required him to remain within his home address between 7pm and 7am. He also breached the order by not attending a number of appointments as per its conditions.

Defending the accused, Mr Gallagher said: “He appears from a shoplifting case going back to March this year. He was warned not once, not twice, but three times.

“He has had significant issues with drug and addiction but the best he has looked was last month where he admitted the breach.

“He has thrown himself at mercy of the court after three times.

“He does not have the carefree attitude that other offenders have and is vulnerable in custody.”

Sheriff Desmond Leslie sentenced Gray to three months in a Young Offenders Institution on the opinion that no other method of dealing with him was appropriate.

Sheriff Leslie said: “I can only give you so many chances. You have had too many chances. It’s time to wake up and face this despite your vulnerabilities.”