A TROUBLED man who went on an engine oil thieving spree at a filling station is an alleged victim of historical sexual abuse, Greenock Sheriff Court heard.

Stephen Jeffers is to be a Crown witness at an upcoming trial into claims of offences against children at a residential school decades ago, his lawyer publicly stated in open court.

Mr Jeffers, 48, stole engine oil from the BP garage on Regent Street whilst 'heavily intoxicated' and smashed its glass door after a manager activated an automatic lock.

Solicitor Edel McGinty told the court that her client has a record for shoplifting and drugs offences 'which have often gone hand-in-hand'.

Miss McGinty added: "Mr Jeffers is to be a Crown witness in an historic sexual abuse case at the High Court.

"He is the first person to accept that his substance abuse has heightened during lockdown.

"His uncle passed away during the first lockdown and he was Mr Jeffers' only familial link and support in the community.

"Drug use was a coping mechanism for him."

The court heard previously how Jeffers helped himself to eight bottles of the mechanical lubricant with a total value of £128 in the 'doomed to failure' raid at the BP garage on Regent Street.

He grabbed a glass soft drink bottle and hurled it at the door after being told that police had been called and he wasn't being allowed to leave.

The manager released the locking mechanism on the advice of a 999 operator and Jeffers exited the premises, only to return seconds later to swipe a further five bottles of oil before making off.

He'd been in hospital with a mild heart attack just seven days before the incident last October.

Sheriff Joseph Hughes deferred sentence on Jeffers, of Buccleugh Street, until next month for a drug treatment and testing order assessment to be carried out.

The sheriff placed him on an electronic tagging order to remain within his home between 7pm and 7am each day for six months regarding a breach of bail.