A CLYDEBANK criminal has been told to “get a calendar” so he doesn’t miss a vital appointment with social workers.

William Ennis, of Montrose Street, went on trial last year for an attack on his ex-partner at a property in Milton Douglas Road, Hardgate.

Part way through the trial, he pleaded guilty to striking the woman on the body with a metal bar, seizing her by the neck, and twisting her arm, all to her injury on February 18, 2019.

On February 1, 2020, at Brunswick House in Perth Crescent, he also broke bail conditions by contacting his ex.

Last November, Sheriff William Gallacher ordered that Ennis be assessed for his suitability for a drug treatment and testing order (DTTO) – an intensive programme for offenders whose criminal behaviour is significantly shaped by their drug misuse.

But the social work interview to find out whether Ennis will be suitable for a DTTO still hasn’t taken place – and Ennis, 36, was hauled to Dumbarton Sheriff Court on June 9 to offer his excuse.

Defence solicitor Gordon Nicol told the court his client suffered from dyslexia, and said he had told Ennis to appear in court that morning instead of going to a social work appointment.

Mr Nicol told the court: “I have no doubt that if given the opportunity to go through a DTTO, he could do it, and it would be the making of him.”

The sheriff replied: “He needs a calendar on the wall and he needs to check it every day.

“It’s not rocket science. I’m fed up with this.”

Sheriff Gallacher told Ennis: “I’m not sure you can do this and I’m now less sure that you can do it.

“You have got to do it and if you can’t turn up for appointments, it’s not going to work.”

Deferring the case again until a further hearing on July 12, the sheriff told Ennis to “leave from here and go to [the social work offices at] Bridge Street and get a big piece of paper or a calendar”.