A machete-wielding thief caught riding a stolen moped is challenging his prison sentence.
John Duncan, 24, was jailed for three years and two months at Dundee Sheriff Court in December for a string of offences.
He’s now hoping his jail term will be reduced at a hearing next week.
Duncan pleaded guilty to possessing a machete in Alloway Terrace on October 30, while on bail. He also admitted that he forced open a taxi and stole a satellite navigation system, a torch and a pouch containing £49.35 in Findhorn Street on October 29.
Duncan stole a moped at Mossgiel Place and drove while disqualified and without insurance in Pitkerro Drive and Kerrystone Court on October 29 or 30, while on bail.
He also admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance at Alloway Terrace and Pitkerro Drive on the same dates, while on bail.
Fiscal depute Eilidh Robertson previously told the court the owner of the taxi had secured his car outside his home around 9pm on October 29.
About two hours later, a neighbour heard a loud bang and looked out of her window.
She saw the accused, with a hood pulled over his head, using an implement to smash the windscreen of the taxi.
She decided to take a photograph and the accused was startled by the flash and fled from the area in a white car. Police were called, but Duncan was not traced at that time.
Around 3am on October 30, officers driving along Pitkerro Road spotted the accused riding towards them on a moped.
He wasn’t wearing a helmet, but was wearing a balaclava and there was a bag over the handlebars. The officers followed him, but lost him in Kerrystone Court.
Duncan was traced the following day by police as he was driving a white Ford Fiesta in Alloway Terrace.
He drove into Pitkerro Drive where he stopped and attempted to run from the officers, but was caught after a short chase.
As he ran, he discarded a number of items including the pouch of money stolen from the taxi, and a torch was found in his possession. A search of his car revealed the machete.
Duncan’s hearing will be held at the Criminal Appeal Court in Edinburgh.
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