AN IRVINE man who stole a purse on a bus has been told he will be jailed if he breaches his Community Payback Order again.

Jordan Gray was travelling on the number 21 Stagecoach bus on October 14, 2015, when he found a purse and took it, instead of trying to find the owner or handing it in.

The 23-year-old was convicted of theft by finding a purse and contents without attempting to discover the true owner of it and given 110 hours community service last year.

However Gray, of Dickson Drive, appeared again at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week after failing to comply with the order after only completing 30 hours of the unpaid work.

His solicitor Fraser Alexander told the court that Gray had “abandoned” the order after losing his job and turning to drink and drugs.

He said: “Has done 30 hours of the 110 hours of his CPO. He was working, so was complying with the order but then he lost his job as his boss was not too happy about him spending the night in custody and turned to drink and drugs and abandoned the order.”

Mr Alexander appealed to Sheriff MacDonald to give his client another chance saying he had “matured” since committing the original offence.

He said: “I think before you today we have perhaps a more positive and more mature Mr Gray.

“He has realised the error of his way and he has stopped drinking and taking drugs.

“He is supported by his family and partner who is with him in court today.”

Sheriff Iona McDonald warned Gray he would be jailed if he appeared before her again.

She said: “Mr Gray I am a great believer in giving people a chance but if you don’t do this you will lose your liberty.

“Do these hours of community service, you never know it may help you and give you a focus.”

The originally Community Payback Order was revoked and a second one imposed.

Gray was ordered to carry out 110 hours unpaid work to be completed within three months.