Firearms offender who flouted unpaid work imposed instead of custody has been spared jail

Scott Stevenson — who also previously failed to appear in court — was given a 100-hour community payback order (CPO) 14 months ago for possession of a stun gun.

The 21-year-old was given four months to do the work in October 2017 but was hauled into court from police custody because he'd only completed ten hours.

Stevenson — who assaulted two police officers during a separate incident — has been told that the maximum sentence for the gun offence is one of ten years.

The Telegraph told last year how the firearm was found during an intelligence-led drug raid.

An arrest warrant was issued for Stevenson after he failed to appear in court when his co-accused James McClumpha, 26, was jailed after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis resin with intent to supply.

Nearly £1,000 worth of the drug, cash totalling £255, weighing scales and polythene bags were seized by police.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how the gun was 'in full working order' and at first appeared to be a torch until its true nature was revealed on closer inspection.

Stevenson, of Grampian Road in Port Glasgow, pleaded guilty to the gun charge and also admitted kicking a female PC and attempting to bite her male colleague.

In imposing the unpaid work last year, Sheriff David Hall told him: "I am imposing this order as an alternative to custody to try to help you.

"You are a young man who could do with the help, so take it."

At the latest calling of the case, Sheriff Andrew McIntyre allowed Stevenson a further six months to complete the CPO.

A review hearing is due to take place on March 6.