An Angus man who was suspected of stealing from a well-known hotel has been jailed for almost a year.
James Pow was challenged by a former owner of the Station Hotel in Carnoustie when he was seen acting “suspicious” on private ground outside.
The 36-year-old appeared from custody at Forfar Sheriff Court and admitted intention to commit theft and causing a breach of the peace on March 29 this year.
Fiscal depute Jill Drummond said Ivor Farmer and another witness saw Pow pass by the hotel’s kitchen window at 9.40am.
“It was the same male who had been in the hotel previously,” she said.
“They were immediately suspicious…
“The witnesses left the locus and walked towards the accused, who walked away from the driveway.
“He continued along Ireland Street on to Station Road, towards the Co-operative car park.
“He turned around and said to witness Tobin: ‘I’m going to crack your cone head open … next time I come back I’ll pan your windows in.”
The witnesses reported the matter to police and the accused was traced.
When interviewed he told officers: “I was just looking for fag ends, I wasn’t there to steal anything.”
Defending Pow, solicitor Billy Rennie said his client had been down on his luck with drug problems.
“This behaviour is broadly out of character,” he added.
“He’s got previous convictions but is not disposed towards violence.”
Pow, formerly of Brechin and of no fixed abode, admitted being found in the curtilage of The Station Hotel, Station Road without lawful authority to be there, where it could be reasonably inferred he intended to commit theft.
He also admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, repeatedly shouting and swearing, and uttering threats of violence and damage to property, on the same date and time.
Jailing Pow for 340 days, Sheriff Gregor Murray said: “I take account of your honesty to the court and Mr Rennie as to the reason behind your offending.
“But the sheer number of cases – effectively you were on a three-month spree, and you have to pay the penalty.
“We’ve tried all we can with you.”
The Station Hotel which had been owned by the same family for 40 years, was sold for £1 million last month.
