Greenock handbag thief gets third chance to avoid jail

David Loveman — who was convicted last December — has twice failed to co-operate with a pre-sentencing drug treatment and testing order assessment.

The 56-year-old's case, for offences committed in November 2019, cannot now be disposed of until March — three months after his guilty plea.

Loveman has been given a further opportunity to comply with a court directive issued to him before Christmas after the sheriff court was told he has experienced 'difficulties'.

Defence lawyer David Tod said: "He had previously been staying at his mother's address, which was part of her estate, and he was put out of there and he is now staying with his brother.

"He didn't have any internet access, nor was he registered with a GP.

"The feeling is that something can be done with Mr Loveman if we can get the appropriate report.

"I would move the court to give him one more opportunity."

Sheriff Joseph Hughes asked if Loveman's mobile phone contact number had changed, noting reports that social workers had failed to reach him and had left voicemails before finally speaking to him on February 5.

Solicitor Mr Tod replied: "He's had difficulties paying his phone."

Mr Tod said previously of his client's crimes: "The matters are despicable.

"When he is in his sober senses there is no-one who thinks them more despicable than Mr Loveman."

Loveman targeted female victims in local supermarkets Tesco, Morrisons and Iceland over the course of just seven days.

In one offence at Iceland on Westburn Street he made off with a bag containing £750 in cash, as well as a mobile phone, bank cards and a photo album.

His total cash haul from the offences — committed between November 23 and 30 last year — was £890.

Sheriff Hughes told Loveman: "You need to co-operate with people.

"I will give you one further opportunity for the reports to be prepared."

Sentence has been further deferred until March 10.