A THIEF has been whisked off to jail for stealing a mobile phone.

Ryan Lee, 31, was given two previous opportunities to complete a Community Payback Order (CPO) put in place as punishment for the theft in Paisley Road West on June 24 last year, but he failed to comply.

Returning to Glasgow Sheriff Court this week to admit the breach, his lawyer claimed: "The issue here is alcohol."

It was explained that the accused's gran – who is a big influence in his life – had been diagnosed with cancer which sent him off the rails.

His lawyer added: "Alcohol is such a serious issue for such a young man."

Sheriff Andrew Cubie highlighted that he had given Lee, who appeared from custody, two additional opportunities.

Out of second chances, Sheriff Cubie revoked the CPO and instead sent Lee, of Barlinnie, back to jail for six months. The sentence was backdated to August 2 – from when the accused was remanded for this matter.