CLYDEBANK MAN WITH 'ATROCIOUS' RECORD RELEASED FROM CUSTODY
A man from Clydebank, known for having a lengthy history of offending dating back to the late 1990s, has been released back into the community.Mark Sweeney, who resides on Dumbarton Road, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on March 11 to be sentenced after previously entering a guilty plea earlier in the year to charges of threats and assault.
His defence solicitor described his criminal record as "atrocious" but argued that he should be given an opportunity to seek treatment for his alcohol dependency.
Sweeney admitted that on January 20, at a residence on Crosslet Road in Dumbarton, he repeatedly shouted, used offensive language, struck a door, behaved aggressively, and made threats.
At the time, he was out on bail, and the offence was considered particularly serious because it involved a current or former partner.
Additionally, he assaulted a police officer and tried to headbutt him.
When taken to Clydebank police station, he continued to shout, swear, and behave in a threatening and aggressive manner.
Sheriff Maxwell Hendry remarked at the beginning of the case: "He has been offending since the last millennium, and we rarely get to say that.
And it has not stopped." His defence lawyer acknowledged that, given his record, he might normally be feeling quite hopeless.
He stated: "In terms of proactive measures, he’s reached a point where his alcohol issue is destroying his life." However, Sheriff Hendry pointed out that Sweeney had been given multiple chances.
"He might start well," the sheriff said, "but almost always, the pattern repeats.
He was given a community payback order and support, yet less than two months later, he was extremely intoxicated and abusive toward a former partner." "There comes a point," the sheriff added, "when he must accept that he will not receive more opportunities." Sweeney’s solicitor mentioned that his client was actively trying to address his alcohol problems.
Sheriff Hendry inquired whether Sweeney would be willing to consider residential treatment, suggesting it could be an option.
The options presented were "jail or rehab," the solicitor concluded.
Sweeney shook his head and was taken back to the cells for further discussion with his lawyer.
Upon returning to the courtroom, Sweeney agreed to be considered for the Turnaround project, which would require him to remain out of custody for assessment.
Sheriff Hendry consented to releasing him until the next hearing scheduled for March 18.
