A THREE Towns man has been given a chance to kick his addiction issues – despite a sheriff admitting that he’s “not optimistic” the help will work.
Christopher Archibald was given a community-based punishment after he admitted assaulting a shop worker in Ardrossan and attacking two cops in Saltcoats.
The 39-year-old was sentenced at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to offences committed last summer at the Asda store in Ardrossan and earlier this year at his home address.
Sentence had been deferred to allow social workers time to prepare a background report on Archibald and his circumstances.
The procurator fiscal depute described how Archibald had been seen acting suspiciously at the Asda supermarket on July 17, 2023 and became abusive towards staff.
He then threw two cans at one employee, one of which burst open.
Police efforts to trace him at the time proved unsuccessful.
Then, on May 29 this year, cops were called to a report of an incident near Archibald’s home in St Lawrence Place, Saltcoats.
On arrival police were told there had been a fight in the street, but that one of those involved had left the scene.
Cops went to Archibald’s home and found him hiding in the kitchen, under a windowsill.
Officers were allowed into his home, but Archibald became abusive, swearing at cops, making threats to assault them and waving a glass around.
He was arrested and because of his condition was taken to Crosshouse Hospital, where his aggressive behaviour continued as he kicked out at police and tried to bite one officer.
David Tod, defending, said Archibald had “taken matters into his own hands” since the incident, and was engaging with addiction services to try and address his alcohol and drug abuse.
Mr Tod continued: "He appears to be someone genuinely trying to do his best to remove himself from this. It’s my submission that the court should take advantage of this."
Sheriff Alistair Watson agreed to place Archibald on a community payback order with 18 months of social work supervision.
But he warned Archibald: "You just got out. You're obviously an alcoholic. You drink, you get in trouble, you end up back in prison again.
"I’m not optimistic but I will give you a chance. There are some positive aspects in this report, and you are not too old or too far gone."
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