A callous thief forced his way into a Highland Perthshire church and made off with cash from four charity boxes.
Steven Lockhart was confronted by a member of the congregation after breaking into the St Brides Roman Catholic building in Pitlochry.
The 48-year-old was caught on CCTV walking away with handfuls of charity cash.
He appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted raiding the Rie-Achan Road place of worship on February 13, 2020.
Lockhart was warned he could face jail.
Daylight raid
Fiscal depute Joanne Ritchie said: “At about 2.10pm, a witness – who was a member of the parish – approached the church and heard a banging sound from inside.
“She observed that a side door was open and ajar.”
Ms Ritchie said: “The witness went to the priest’s home next door and viewed CCTV.
“She could see a male walking down the driveway.”
The woman returned to the church and was approached by Lockhart.
“He asked if the church was open,” the fiscal depute said.
“She replied that it was not and the man walked away.
“She was able to give his description to police.”
Ms Ritchie told the court: “A short time later, the witness entered the church through the side door.
“She confirmed that both doors had been previously locked.
“She noticed that four charity boxes had been forced open and money was stolen from within.”
The court heard that around £100 cash was missing.
DNA swabs
Scenes of crime officers were called to the building and various items, including the charity boxes, were swabbed.
“DNA matching the accused was found on one of the boxes,” said Ms Ritchie.
Lockhart, whose address was listed on court papers as Glasgow Road, Edinburgh, was arrested later that day.
The church is owned by the Diocese of Dunkeld.
Sheriff William Wood deferred sentence for background reports.
He told Lockhart: “I want to consider doing something other than sending you to prison.
“But I’m not making any promises.”
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