A MAN with convictions for nearly 300 previous offences was described as having made “remarkable” progress by his supervising probation officer.

Blackburn magistrates heard the officer had been “disappointed” to hear that Scott McKay was back in court.

And Deputy District Judge Jane Hamilton said that based on what she had heard she was going to give McKay a chance and defer sentence for three months.

“If you don’t re-offend I will deal with this matter by way of a discharge,” said Deputy District Judge, Hamilton.

“If you do re-offend you will be back in court and I will be looking at custody. The ball is in your court.”

McKay, 44, of Shadsworth House, Dunoon Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing a cash box from a car belonging to Sajid Patel. Sentence was deferred until July 27.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said staff at Home Bargains contacted police and reported a man acting strangely.

They followed him out of the shop and saw him pick up a stone and throw it through the window of a parked car. He removed a cash box from the car but was then detained until the police arrived.

McKay later told police he had taken about 14 diazepam tablets and didn’t remember much.

Mr Robinson said the cost of replacing the broken window was £200.

Stuart Thomson, defending, said McKay was due to move into his own accommodation very soon.

“At one time he was drinking one and a half litres of vodka a day but he has managed to get his drinking under control,” said Mr Thomson.

He said on the day of the incident McKay had left his jacket at a friend’s house and his bank card had been in it.

“His benefits had just been paid but when he checked his money had been withdrawn,” said Mr Thomson.

“He reacted by taking these tablets and then behaved in the way you have heard about.”