A one-man crime wave is facing a lengthy jail sentence after Perth Sheriff Court heard his serial offending was a lifestyle choice.
Arthur Bryce, 56, rammed police vehicles and led them on a high speed chase across Perthshire and the Highlands among his string of latest offences.
Beginning on the A9 Perth to Inverness road, Bryce reached speeds of 80mph, struck crash barriers, cut corners and swerved into the opposing carriageways.
Perth Sheriff Court heard that, after Bryce entered a populated area of Kingussie, police officers eventually called off the pursuit because it had become too dangerous for members of the public.
After escaping the police, Bryce abandoned his car and immediately broke into a nearby home and stole belongings.
He admitted driving dangerously on the A9 Perth to Inverness road, the B9150 Ralia to Newtonmore road and the A86 Newtonmore to Kingussie road, on January 3 this year.
He also admitted, at an address on Kingussie Road, Newtonmore, stealing a purse, jewellery, a car key and a bag of imitation jewels.
Bryce, who has been committing crimes across Scotland for 40 years, admitted 13 separate offences at Perth Sheriff Court on Tuesday, including driving whilst disqualified, and seven different charges of theft.
Bryce’s offending saw him steal £900 from Mackays Hotel, Atholl Road, Pitlochry, on September 8.
On September 10 at Dundarach Hotel, Perth Road, Pitlochry he stole a handbag, two purses, money and a bank card.
His crimes also included theft of a rucksack containing personal papers, card readers, wallets and cash between December 28 and December 29 at an address in Glasgow Road, Perth.
And on December 31 at an address in Cairneyhill Road, Bankfoot, he stole a wallet and jewellery.
Solicitor Kevin McCarron said that his client had a “formidable record for this type of offending”.
He said: “It seems to be a lifestyle issue for Mr Bryce. He doesn’t appear to be a member of any organised crime gang.
“He wasn’t living the high life. He was staying in homeless accommodation at the time. I am not aware of any addiction difficulties with drugs or alcohol.”
Sheriff William Wood deferred sentence on Bryce, Perth Prison, until Wednesday May 18 for reports.
