Lanarkshire repeat offender urged to make fresh start after being freed from jail

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A repeat offender has a chance to make a fresh start after being freed from prison.Josh McAteer spent nine months in custody after he was charged with stealing a car.His not guilty plea was eventually accepted but he admitted driving the vehicle while disqualified and without insurance in Bellshill and Holytown on December 30 and January 2.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Allegations that McAteer, 33, stole the car from Kirklee Road, Bellshill, and topped up with petrol at a service station without paying were dropped.Defence solicitor Scott Jones told Hamilton Sheriff Court: "He had been invited by the car owner to park the vehicle which he did."That individual unexpectedly had to leave the vicinity for some time and my client, who had the keys, decided to take it for a drive on January 2."Unfortunately he has a history of getting into difficulties in relation to driving."He has had a serious drug addiction and there are mental health issues."McAteer was given bail last month and returned to court for sentence this week.Mr Jones added: "His record includes offences of a similar nature, but the signs are positive."Since being liberated, he has secured employment."His decision-making in the past has been questionable, but a community payback order would allow him to show he can avoid further