An Angus thief helped himself to milk from the office fridge when he took handbags from a retirement home, a court heard.
William Smith from Arbroath was seen “swigging” a pint as he left Kirkriggs Court in Forfar last month, on a day where he also kicked a blind woman’s door and swapped his phone for that of another resident.
The 30-year-old appeared from custody at Forfar Sheriff Court and admitted stealing from the home and taking a phone and medication from the Forfar address, and committing two breaches of the peace on January 19.
All offences were committed while on bail.
Fiscal depute Jill Drummond said Smith was stopped from entering a property in Newmonthill, Forfar, at 7.10am by the occupant’s teenage son, who said: “Mum, quick, there is someone coming in the door.”
After banging on the door, Smith entered Kirkriggs Court through a back entrance.
Ms Drummond said a member of staff had left her bag in the office and “returned to see the accused leaving with two bags and swigging from a jug of milk.”
Smith was challenged and police were phoned, but he left over a fence before they arrived.
The staff fridge was missing a pint of milk.
At Lyninghills in Forfar the householder opened the door and let Smith in for a glass of water and to use the bathroom, although he did not know him.
Later, he discovered his medication box missing from the kitchen and noticed his mobile phone was “different”.
Ms Drummond said: “He then suspected the accused had taken his phone and left his in its place.”
An 88-year-old resident of Provost Buchan Road, Brechin, who is registered blind, opened her door to Smith as she was expecting someone else.
She told him to leave but rang police after he kicked her door.
Ms Drummond said a nearby resident also opened the door to Smith, and was offered “£100 in food products”.
Smith, of Russell Square, was arrested the next morning.
Solicitor Billy Rennie said his client was remorseful for the offences “particularly the elderly complainer”, and had a “realistic view” of his disposal.
“His report shows indications of hope for change, and insight,” he added.
Sheriff Gregor Murray sentenced Smith to a total of 68 weeks in custody, including 40 weeks for an unexpired sentence.