Thief given two years after thefts

A sneak-in thief was locked up for two years for committing robberies and attacking police while released on bail.

Anthony McCue, a prisoner of Addiewell HMP, admitted stealing a guitar and laptop bag from a flat in the Village and a set of keys from an address in West Mains on December 16.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard how McCue, 38, struck at Main Street when the householder left his property. He entered the top-floor flat through the unlocked front door.

When the householder returned he noticed his guitar and laptop bag was missing and belongings had been rifled through.

McCue continued his spree at nearby Ladybank Court, he entered a house through an insecure door.

The householder was present and saw McCue. He asked what he was doing and noticed a set of keys on a table at his front door were missing.

He said he wanted his keys back and McCue handed them over.

Following a search of the area, police recovered the £800 guitar and laptop bag. McCue was apprehended a short time later by police.

Officers became concerned by McCue’s demeanour and took him to Hairmyres Hospital where he kicked off in front of other people.

McCue hit a female cop in the face with his leg. He was restrained but continued to shout and swear and threw a table at a male officer.

Defending, Diarmid Bruce described his client as having poor mental health and a long criminal record.

He added:“It is not an excuse but he can’t remember any of this.”

Sentencing McCue to 24 months in prison backdated to December 19, Sheriff David Bicket said:“I take into account the overall affect of this and the time you have spent in custody but as these are serious offences there can only be a custodial sentence.”