Man broke bail order by attemping to raid Coatbridge distillery

A man who tried to break into a Coatbridge distillers — and broke his subsequent bail conditions — has been fined and placed under supervision.

John Halkett pleaded guilty to sneaking onto the premises of Angus Dundee Distillers on Main Street last May, before admitting to breaking court stipulations.

The 30- year- old’s bail conditions required him to remain in his Dunblane Street home between the hours of 7pm and 7am every night, but on two July evenings last year he failed present himself to police.

The procurator fiscal described: “At around 9.50pm a motion sensor activated and notified the witness that somebody was on the property.

“Police were subsequently contacted.

“They arrived later at 12.55am and carried out a search, finding the accused hiding in between some wooden pallets.

“He stated that he was there to ‘steal scrap.’

“The witness checked CCTV whilst the police carried out a search on the accused.

“Garden shears were found stuck in a metal fence and the witness confirmed they hadn’t been there earlier in the evening.

“The CCTV footage showed that he had been there since 9.45pm, had been trying several doors and throwing items at windows.

“He was cautioned and charged but made no reply.”

Sheriff Morag Shankland ruled: “I am imposing a community payback order with supervision for 15 months.

“You must do as you’re told to address your underlying difficulties.

“I am imposing a fine of £250 which is payable at £10 per fortnight.”