A teenager whose criminal record already runs to 84 charges faces more time in custody after a carjacking.
Lee Pearson, who has just turned 19, appeared from custody at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
He admitted robbing a man of his Ford Focus on Caledonia Drive, Newarthill, on September 10 last year and driving while disqualified.
But an allegation that he presented a gun and threatened to shoot the 23-year-old car owner was dropped.
Pearson also had his not guilty plea to a charge of being concerned in the supply of cocaine accepted.
The court heard the men had arranged to meet and the man drove into the street around 11.40pm.
No reason was given for the meeting.
Pearson approached the vehicle and said ‘Give me the f****** car’.
He threatened the driver, reached inside and took the keys from the ignition.
The victim got out of the car and Pearson drove off at speed.
The Focus was found abandoned and damaged on a roundabout in Tannochside.
The car was written off and the victim’s insurers wouldn’t pay out.
He’d bought it for £3595 and the court heard he wanted compensation from the accused.
Defence agent Diarmid Bruce pointed to difficulties in Pearson’s upbringing.
The lawyer said: “The environment hasn’t been ideal for a young person, but he has a lot to offer if his energies are channelled properly.”
Sheriff John Speir sentenced Pearson to 26 months in custody, backdated as he has been held since September, and imposed a two-year driving ban.
The sheriff told him: “I note from the criminal justice social work report that you have not had an easy time, but you have an atrocious record - stretching to 84 charges - for a person of 19.”
Pearson was also ordered to pay £1000 compensation to the car owner, but the sheriff changed his mind after Mr Bruce protested that he was in no position to find the cash.
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