A MAN found himself in front of a sheriff for stealing a USB stick nearly five years ago.

But sheriff Simone Sweeney gave him the chance to prove himself by placing him on a structured deferred sentence.

Derek Hutcheon lifted the computer memory stick from a PC in Cranhill Development Trust that had been left behind by another customer.

Glasgow Sheriff Court was told the woman had been using the computer on October 5, 2017, but accidentally left it plugged in.

Hutcheon used the PC later that day, saw the USB stick and nabbed it.

When the woman realised her error and returned, the device was missing so staff checked CCTV and identified Hutcheon, from Gartharmlock.

Hutcheon's defence brief Leon Kondol told the court the crime was "opportunistic" and explained that Hutcheon's life had taken a downward spiral following the murder of his brother.

Mr Kondol said: "There is a shocking record from him on analogous matters.

"He now has the care of his young son and his turnaround is remarkable."

Sheriff Sweeney told the 40-year-old: "You should use this time to get the support you need."

Hutcheon will have to appear again before the court in four months for a review.