A THIEF was told he was on his last chance when he narrowly escaped a prison sentence this week.

Lewis Davies, of the James Bank Hostel, Dunfermline, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Wednesday after previously admitting that on August 22 or 23 last year, at Wrights Licensed Grocers in Brock Street, North Queensferry, he stole a quantity of cigarettes and money.

Sheriff Alastair Brown told Davies he was on the "thinnest of ice" and told him "do not let me down" after giving him a final chance and placing him on a drug testing and treatment order for two years.

"I know that getting on top of a drug problem is difficult," he told him. "I understand that and I am not expecting you to et this sorted out instantly – it would be great if you could. I understand that it is difficult.

"What is essential is you make the effort and the first thing to do is get yourself to all the appointments on time. That is challenging enough I know that but if you don't do that, this is going nowhere and you are going to Perth Prison. It is that simple."