A housebreaker who was caught after his fingerprints were found on a box of chocolates is back behind bars.
John Hodge, 48, made off with a haul including a PlayStation, electronic tablet and make- up after breaking into a property on Midmill Road in Mid Craigie.
Hodge was caught after scenes of crime officers found his fingerprints on a box of treats on a bedside table.
Fiscal depute Nicola Gillespie told Dundee Sheriff Court: “Around 11pm on August 4 the complainer returned home and noticed the living room and bathroom lights were on.
“She saw curtain hooks on her couch and noted that her PlayStation was missing.”
Occupant Megan Johnston checked the rest of her house and saw that some computer games, an electric razor, a tablet and make-up bag and its contents were also missing.
Ms Gillespie added: “Police were informed and scenes of crime officers took a number of fingerprint lifts from the property.
“Fingerprints belonging to the accused were found on the back of a box of chocolates on a bedside table and on wiring for the PlayStation.”
Ms Johnston put out an appeal on Facebook and a man contacted her saying he had the games console but “didn’t know” it was stolen.
The PlayStation and games then appeared on Ms Johnston’s doorstep in a carrier bag. The man’s Facebook profile was deleted.
Hodge was traced at Salvation Army, Ward Road, and arrested on suspicion of theft by housebreaking.
He admitted breaking into the house and stealing the items.
The goods were worth £400, and of those £300 worth were recovered.
Hodge was returned to prison for 100 days – having been on licence when he committed the offence – and sentenced to serve a further year.
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