By Dave Lord

A DESPERATE drug addict who broke in to his own grandmother’s home in a sheltered housing complex and stole more than £600 was yesterday jailed for 10 months for the “squalid” crime.

Perth Sheriff Court heard how Michael McNeilage targeted the 77-year-old in a last-ditch bid to feed his out-of-control drug habit.

The 24-year-old, of Culdees Estate, Muthil, knew his grandmother was out at a family gathering when he broke into her home and made off with her savings.

McNeilage pleaded guilty to breaking into the house at Duchlage Court, Crieff, on May 3 this year.

He also admitted stealing £600 from Tower Bakery in Crieff on May 9 and 10 and obtaining £170 by fraud using a stolen bank card in July.

At a previous court appearance, a sheriff told McNeilage the theft of money from his own grandmother was so despicable “it is almost impossible to believe.”

Depute fiscal Lucy Keane said McNeilage had known exactly where to find his grandmother’s savings.

“His grandmother was at a family get-together when he broke in and took a bag containing some £600,” she said.

“The accused had been at the house before and she suspected he was responsible.

“Police were contacted and he admitted he had broken into the house, which was within a sheltered housing complex.”

Appearing for McNeilage yesterday, solicitor Rosie Scott said even the accused’s own father now accepted that the “short, sharp shock” of a jail term may be required to bring him to his senses.

She described how the accused now feels “absolutely awful” about the offence.

“It is quite clear that his heroin abuse has caused him significant problems,” she continued.

“The theft of money from his grandmother caused a huge rift within the family.

“He accepts it is a despicable offence and fully realises just how dreadful it was.

“Mr McNeilage now knows how stupid he has been.”

Ms Scott said McNeilage is making efforts to control his drug habit.

“Until he became involved with drugs he held down a good job and was a good worker,” she said.

“He does say he enjoyed using drugs but he knows he will have to come off them and will have to do something about his addiction.

“Mr McNeilage is motivated to come off drugs and wants to show he can be a benefit to society,” Mrs Scott told the court.

Sentencing McNeilage, Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said, “Taking £600 from your gran while she is away at a friend’s for the weekend is particularly underhand and nasty.

“Taking into account the nature of the offences.I consider that a custodial sentence is the only way to deal with these matters.”