An Angus man has been sentenced to 10 months in jail after a series of thefts and break-ins.
Gareth Harris, 33, of Provost Reid’s Road, Montrose, appeared from custody at Arbroath Sheriff Court on Tuesday, where he admitted stealing a mobile phone and attempting to break into South Links Holiday park in Montrose on July 31 and August 1 respectively.
Harris also admitted breaking into Carpet Discount Centre on New Wynd, Montrose, on August 5, stealing a cash register, breaking it open and taking £70 from it. He committed the offence while on bail granted on August 2.
The court heard how Harris stole the mobile from a friend’s mother while at the woman’s house at an opportune moment. It was not until he was gone that the lady realised the £200 device was missing.
Fiscal Hazel Anderson said the attempted break-in occurred just after midnight on August 1 when two witnesses noticed the accused outside the window of the main office peering in.
They thought he was drunk but watched as he attempted to pry it open.
She said: “Police were contacted and arrived around 10 minutes later.
“He attempted to run away but police caught up with him and he dropped a crow bar and a screw driver, along with a cloth and some socks. It appeared he was under the influence of drugs.”
The court also heard how residents near the Carpet Discount Centre heard the sound of a window smashing at around 5am on August 5. Police attended and found a large stone lying at the front door and the cash register lying in a close nearby.
CCTV was reviewed and police inquires led them to Harris. Nick Markowski, defending, told Sheriff Peter Paterson that his client had endured drug problems as a teenager and was high on valium at the time of the offences.
Sheriff Peter Paterson said he would have sentenced Harris to a community-based disposal had he not committed a further offence after being placed on bail for the original theft.
Harris had his sentence back-dated to August 2.