A MAN who broke into three properties over two days has been handed an opportunity to “potentially get a hold of your life” with a place on an intensive drug treatment programme.

Kristopher Duncan, 43, previously pleaded guilty to using a screwdriver or similar to break into a home in Balloch Road, Balloch, with the intent to steal.

He also broke into an outbuilding of the neighbouring home and stole a quantity of alcohol and tools.

Both offences were on October 19, 2020.

The next day, he broke into an outbuilding on Hogarth Court, Alexandria, and stole a quantity of alcohol.

At Dumbarton Sheriff Court on June 9, Duncan, listed in court papers as being a prisoner in Greenock, was said by his solicitor to be “prepared for what will be a long road” in undergoing treatment for his addiction.

Sheriff William Gallacher told Duncan: “I’m willing to give you an opportunity to do this - it’s a way to potentially get a hold of your life for the first time in a long time.”

Duncan replied: “I’m willing.” 

Imposing a drug treatment and testing order for two years, the sheriff added: “You will have blips - that’s allowed. What you’re not allowed is to not show commitment.”

Duncan’s progress will be reviewed next month.