A THIEF smashed patio doors to break into a home and steal £360 in cash and two watches.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard John Phinn, 40, committed the offence an hour after a botched attempt to break into another home.
Phinn first tried to break into a home belonging to Craig Gordon on Arisaig Gardens, Broughty Ferry, shortly after 10.30am on April 11.
Fiscal depute Sue Ruta said neighbours heard banging and went to investigate and saw Phinn at the back door. He had forced open a conservatory door and was attempting to force open the back door to the property’s kitchen.
The fiscal said: “The neighbour challenged the accused and he ran off.
“He caused £800 worth of damage to each door.”
Around an hour later Phinn was spotted peering through the window of a home belonging to Colin Chalmers at Greystane Road, Invergowrie.
The fiscal continued: “The accused went to the patio and the witness heard loud banging and contacted police. He was traced in a nearby shop in possession of a leather wallet containing £360 in cash.”
Mr Chalmers was contacted and returned home to find his patio doors smashed and his wallet missing and along with two watches, each worth £25.
Phinn admitted attempting to break into a house with intent to steal and theft by housebreaking, both on April 11.
He was jailed for 32 months.
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