A MAN caught stealing from bins claimed he was forced into theft after benefit sanctions.

Ashburn Cathie was spotted by residents around 10pm raking through bins outside flats near Shettleston Road.

When challenged by occupants of one of the flats, who called down to him to leave, the 45-year-old shouted: "F**k up, this is what happens when you don't get your brew money."

He was then seen walking off with a red holdall over his shoulder with a vacuum cleaner in it.

Cathie, from Shettleston, was then seen later that night - around 11pm on December 12, 2016 - rummaging through the bins again.

Witnesses called the cops and Cathie was picked up by police walking along Shettleston Road.

After a search, he was found to have a torch and a cutlery knife in his right jacket pocket.

He told officers this was to open a Yale lock at his property as he'd lost his keys and was out searching for them.

Cops also found a number of items in a black bin liner.

Cathie asked police: "If I put it back and promise not to come back, will you let me off with a warning?"

Cathie's defence brief said: "The situation here was that he was going through a difficult time and was sanctioned for his benefits for three months."

The lawyer spoke of Cathie's previous offences and added: "There has been a significant slowing down in his offending behaviour."

However, the brief added: "He remains a high risk of offending and is also involved with drugs."

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard Cathie is currently on a Methadone programme.

The court was told a report by criminal justice social workers was positive and Cathie had complied.

Sheriff Shona Gilroy said: "I am prepared to impose a Community Payback Order today due to this report."

Cathie was hit with a Community Payback Order, which will be supervised for one year.

He was also ordered to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work within three months or find himself back in front of a sheriff with the threat of a custodial sentence.