A DUNFERMLINE man sentenced to unpaid work decided to go to a job in France instead.

Barry Wotherspoon did less than 10 hours of his 80-hour sentence before leaving the country.

Wotherspoon, 42, of Wedderburn Crescent, had previously been put on a community payback order at Dunfermline Sheriff Court for fighting with his partner.

When the order came up for review in August, the dock was empty and the court was told Wotherspoon was now working abroad.

An irritated Sheriff Paul Reid previously commented: “He seems to think everything is organised for his convenience.

"He’s got a job and doesn’t have to do the community payback order.

“He’s gone to live in France which I’m sure is very nice. We’re not providing a consumer service here. He’s done less than 10 hours of his unpaid work.”

When the case returned to court Wotherspoon was present and defence solicitor Callum Harris said the order had proved to be “problematic” for his client.

He added: “He could get a job in Scotland but the job in France is much better paid.”

Sheriff William Gilchrist revoked the unpaid work and instead fined Wotherspoon £210.