A Clydebank man claimed he had Covid-19 days after the first lockdown to avoid FIVE warrants for his arrest, a court has heard.

The charge took more than three years to finally get to court and a punishment for Derek Barrowman, who made up having symptoms to avoid being arrested.

Two police officers arrived at Barrowman's Second Avenue home just before 2pm on March 27, 2020, four days after the first national lockdown was announced.

They were there for a separate matter and spoke to Barrowman and his partner about a non-criminal argument, fiscal depute Mandy Robertson told Dumbarton Sheriff Court.

Police found there were five apprehension warrants out for the man - who then told officers he had Covid-19 symptoms.

Officers called for a special unit to attend as this was now classed as a Covid incident.

Barrowman was arrested and put in the back of a police vehicle and told he would be taken to Cathcart police office, which was dealing with infected prisoners.

"He then stated he didn't have Covid symptoms," said the prosecutor. "He only stated this to evade arrest."

At a hearing on September 5, nearly three and half years later, 35-year-old Barrowman's defence solicitor said: "This was a foolish attempt to avoid warrants."

He said his client had served various periods in custody and in 2022 completed a rehab course and was no longer using illegal substances or alcohol.

The lawyer said Barrowman "presented today as quite clean and fit".

He added: "He seems from 2022 to be on the right path."

Sheriff Clair McLachlan fined Barrowman £250 with a £20 victim surcharge.

She said: "We will draw a line under this today."