A DUNFERMLINE man who trashed his cell when he was a prisoner has avoided a return to custody after it was heard he was at risk of becoming “institutionalised”.

Craig Thomson was a prisoner at Glenochil on December 7 last year when he began shouting and swearing at staff members.

The 22-year-old then became violent by striking and throwing a television, window, shelving units and a sink before struggling with staff members.

Alloa Sheriff Court heard that Thomson was put in segregation as a result of the outburst and that a social work report failed to identify any “protective factors” for him not reoffending.

Kelly Howe, representing Thomson, told the court that her client was at risk of being “institutionalised”, adding that he was “fed up of his situation”, and was willing to change his life for the better.

The solicitor added that Thomson's ex-girlfriend was now pregnant with his first child and he wanted to become a “role model” for the child, which Ms Howe said should count as a protective factor.

Sheriff David Mackie told Thomson, of Craigmyle Street, Dunfermline, that he was pleased with his current attitude, adding that prison was not the answer just now, and sentenced him to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work.