A DUNFERMLINE man who had been given early release from jail because of COVID-19 later breached court bail conditions on the same day they were imposed.

As a result, Graham Philip, whose record was described as “appalling”, found himself back behind bars.

Philip, 41, formerly of James Bank Hostel, appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that having been granted bail on July 16 on the conditions that he did not enter an address in Golfdrum Street, Dunfermline and did not contact a named female, he breached these on the same day.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said: “At 6.15pm, the accused’s mother was in her home when she heard knocking at the door and heard her son’s voice.

“He said: ‘Mum, quick I’m not allowed to be here. Can I just get my shoes and jeans. I’ll just be a minute’.”

She allowed him in and he collected his clothing. Police were contacted but he had left by the time they attended.

There were then four more calls from local residents reporting Philip returning to the block. He was later arrested and has been back in custody since last month.

Defence solicitor Alexander Flett said: “It’s his mother’s address. When he was granted bail at Kirkcaldy, he gave his address as James Bank Hostel but when he got there they did not have a room for him.

“He was then going to stay with a friend but didn’t have any of his belongings. He didn’t mean to cause his mother or anybody else any distress by going there.

“He was between a rock and a hard place. He didn’t mean any harm but he didn’t go about things in the right way.”

Sheriff Charles Macnair told Philip: “You have the most appalling record. You were granted bail and, knowing the conditions, you still went to the prohibited property.”

He sent Philip back to jail to serve 30 days of his previous sentence and he imposed another 88 days in prison for this latest offence, making a total term of 118 days.

Philip was jailed for a year last October for shoplifting in Dunfermline when in possession of a knife.

He was grabbed by a member of the public after stealing from a sports shop.

Serial shoplifter Philip was chased by a female shop worker and his sprint down the High Street was brought to an abrupt halt by a passer-by. He was then found to be in possession of a lock-knife.