An Angus thief described by a sheriff as one of the county’s most prolific criminals has been jailed for eight months.
Forfar sheriff Kevin Veal said local crime rocketed when Kevin Paton was at large and he rejected a plea by the 32-year-old’s lawyer to allow him to stay on the streets and continue a “sea change” in his life.
Paton, of East Sunnyside in Forfar, appeared from custody having previously admitted breaking into two houses on consecutive days May 13 and 14.
He acted with a female co-accused in one of the thefts and the haul from the properties in Canmore Street and Taranty Road included mobile phones, a television set, alcohol, bank cards and jewellery.
Paton pleaded guilty to stealing a cheque book and money during a break-in to Strathmore Primary School on December 10.
A disposal in that case has been held over to allow the sheriff to impose a sentence which may assist the accused in his rehabilitation efforts.
Sheriff Veal said it was a major concern the house break-ins had taken place in daylight.
“A person’s own home is the one place that they should be entitled to feel secure so that has to be a serious matter,” he said.
“These offences also took place just six weeks after being placed on bail.
“He is one of the most prolific offenders in the area.Reality”The reality is that, in the past, when he has been at liberty the rate of offending has shot up.
“It’s realistic to record that when he is in custody the amount of offending in the district drops dramatically.”
Defence agent Bob Bruce said the social work report before the court was the most positive he had seen in relation to his client.
“I cannot argue with what your lordship has said, but unless the more fundamental aspects are dealt with he is going to keep reappearing,” said the lawyer.
“At some point the chance has to be taken, and my submission is that now is the time.
“He displays a level of victim empathy that, hitherto, we have not seen and I have noticed a sea change in his demeanour maybe he has reflected on his behaviour,” added Mr Bruce.
But, jailing Paton, Sheriff Veal said, “Bluntly, it is difficult to see how custody can be avoided.
“He must live with the fact that on every occasion he appears before a sheriff, custody is almost certainly at the top of the agenda.
“However, I take on board the necessity for rehabilitation, but that can be addressed when he is out in the community and I will formally continue the other case until May 26.”