Sheriff Morag Shankland

months at Airdrie Sheriff Court last week.

The yob broke into a property on Cromlix Grove, Plains, on January 11 last year and stole a variety of items.

He then illegally entered a house in Killearn Crescent, also in Plains, on November 1 and stole a set of keys and a car.

On the same day, Eadie drove dangerously on Stirling Road and Greengairs Road; he had no licence and was driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Prosecutor Jennifer McLaren told the court: “At 5.30am, the householder heard noises in his home.

“He went downstairs and saw someone leaving through the kitchen. A window had been smashed.

“Police were contacted. A red Audi which had been in the driveway was missing.

“At 6.55am, police on routine patrol in a marked car saw the car. They operated their blue lights and sirens.

“There was a strong smell and smoke coming from the car which had suffered a mechanical breakdown. The accused was in the driver’s seat.

“He reversed the car down a carriageway and into the path of oncoming traffic.

“The vehicle went through a fence and into a field. He was arrested and handcuffed.

“He was slurring his speech and unsteady on his feet.

“He told police he had taken four valium tablets. He was taken to Coatbridge police office.

“Doctors observed that he had been driving either under the influence of drink or controlled drugs.

“When cautioned and charged he made no reply.”

In another charge, the court heard that Eadie broke into another house with spots of blood found on the window and throughout the house.

Numerous cupboards and drawers were found to be open. Police were again contacted.

A television set, bike, a ring, a drill, kitchen knife and sat-nav system were taken from the property as well as a set of car keys.

Blood was examined by police and valium.

“He has contacted the addictions team for help.

“He has a bad record but before his last offence in 2019 there was a gap. He lost his employment at Christmas 2018 and reverted back to drug use.

“He has pleaded guilty at an early opportunity and hopes to put all of this behind him.

“His only explanation is his desperation to get money to get drugs.”

Sheriff Morag Shankland told Eadie, whose address was given as a prisoner of Addiewell: “Given your record, you have to go to prison.

“I am not persuaded to call for background reports.”

The sheriff told Eadie she would reduce the sentence from 18 months to 14 and backdate the sentence to November 4, when he was first remanded.

Eadie was also banned from driving for

Behind bars Joseph Eadie broke into several properties