The aim is to break the cycle of addiction

Graham had committed a series of offences involving theft and driving while disqualified.

Sheriff Matthews told Graham that the aim of the order was to cure his drug habit and help him stop offending.

Sheriff Matthews said: "We want to make this works but we're not softies."

Graham was told his case would be reviewed at a hearing next month.

If he did not comply with the order he could be fined or the order could be revoked, meaning he could face a custodial sentence instead.

The milestone came as Deputy Justice Minister Iain Gray announced that Scotland's second drug court would be set up in Fife.

He said the region had been chosen following the successful take-up of Drug Testing and Treatment Orders (DTTOs) in the area.

Hearings will be stripped of much of the formality of normal criminal cases.

First names will be used and addiction workers and social workers will help the sheriff decide what order should be imposed.

Persistent offenders

This could last for as long as three years, during which time the offender - who is on bail - will receive treatment and undergo regular and random drug testing.

The pilot project is aimed at breaking the cycle of addiction and criminality which blights so many communities.

It is hoped that the drug court will deal with up to 200 people a year.

Ministers say those appearing in the court will be persistent offenders funding their addiction through crime.

It is important that we maintain that momentum and find out how pilot drug courts work in different area

Iain Gray

Police say the initiative, which will work from No 2 court in Glasgow's Sheriff Court building, could make significant inroads into crime figures.

The Scottish Executive announced in February that Glasgow would trial the country's first US and Canadian-style drugs court.

It works by dealing with drug-using petty offenders separately, while drug dealers and more serious drug-related crimes will still be handled by mainstream courts.

Mr Gray said on Monday that there was "a great deal of momentum" behind drug courts in Scotland.

"Many people now share my view that, by tackling drug-related crime, drug courts can play a big part in delivering on the Scottish Executive's commitment to social justice," he said.

Further progress

"It is important that we maintain that momentum and find out how pilot drug courts work in different areas."

The Fife Drug Court is expected to be up and running by next summer.

And Mr Gray added: "I am keen to make further progress on piloting drug courts.

"In the next few months several more courts across Scotland will offer DTTOs. Once the courts have got used to taking up and operating these sentences, I will look again at more pilots."