Cigarette thief’s freedom goes up in smoke

An impulsive Coatbridge thief has been jailed for five months after attempting to steal more than £1000 worth of cigarettes.

John Templeton, 31, pled guilty to breaking into an unnamed premises. He was caught red-handed after a member of the public heard a noise coming from inside the store late at night.

Opportunistic Templeton, of Southfield Crescent, told police he thought “f*** it” as he walked past the shop.

During Templeton’s sentencing at Airdrie Sheriff Court last week, the procurator fiscal explained: “At 11.48pm a member of the public heard a noise coming from within the shop.

“The individual investigated and upon seeing that the shutter was not fully down called police.

“They arrived and saw broken glass on the ground next to a smashed window.

“They entered the shop and found the accused in a rear store room attempting to open the exit door.

“He was arrested and stated, ‘I was just walking past and thought f*** it’.”

The fiscal continued :“Police found a rucksack with a chisel and crowbar inside. They also identified various bags containing cigarettes at the till area. Overall, there was 112 packets which reached a value of £1006.23 and there was a full recovery.

“In terms of damage to the shop there was an insurance excess of £600 as well as £900 of damage.”

In mitigation, Templeton’s bemused defence solicitor told the court: “I have no real explanation for this.

“It occurred at the time of a relationship breakdown and he is extremely embarrassed about it.

“He is under no illusion that he should expect a custodial sentence but is ready to complete a community payback order.”

Sheriff Frank Pieri took the former option and told Templeton: “An offence of this nature can expect a custodial sentence and as such I can only deal with it that way.

“Due to your guilty plea I will sentence you to five months rather than six.”