A MAN told a 999 call handler he murdered his neighbour and left their body in a shared garden.

Cameron Mackay appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court after previously pleading guilty to making the false claim to an emergency service call handler, two police constables and Scottish Ambulance Service employees.

The 51-year-old told the call handler on July 22 last year that he had murdered his neighbour by repeatedly stabbing them and that he had left their body in a communal garden in Brown Avenue.

Mackay admitted to committing the offence whilst on bail at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on March 3 that same year.

He appeared in the dock last week for sentencing where his lawyer explained to the sheriff that he attends different addiction services throughout the week, but one rehabilitation service has a waiting list.

Judith Reid said: "There is other treatment in place, but there is a two-month waiting list for the [addiction service] and because of that he will try to detox in the community.

"He seems to be doing everything he can and he presents extremely differently from a few weeks ago.

"I think a structured deferred sentence will allow him the opportunity for some support "

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry said: "I don't think I need to underline to you that this is a very serious matter. For your own sake primarily, and for the community's sake it is important that you get on top of these problems and that you take the help available to you."

MacKay was placed on a structured deferred sentence with a further review set for August this year.