OAPS’ break-in hell

An elderly couple spent nearly £1000 beefing up their home security after a break-in.

William Mcinnes (37), a prisoner, was jailed for 16 months at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday. He admitted breaking into a house in Glasgow Road, Blantyre, with intent to steal on January 10 this year. He was on early release from prison at the time.

Michael Macintosh, prosecuting, said the householders were on holiday and family members checking the house noticed the patio doors had been forced open. Fortunately, nothing had been stolen and it appeared the intruder had been frightened off by an alarm.

Mr Macintosh told the court: “The accused could clearly be seen on CCTV checking doors and looking under pot plants, perhaps for keys. He then barged at the patio doors, breaking them open.”

The householders said in a victim impact statement that, after the break-in, they spent £800 on new doors and £175 on an upgraded alarm system.

Defence agent Andy Thomson said his client, a drug addict, remembered nothing about the incident.

Mr Thomson told the court: “He was adamant he would not break into a house on the main road in Blantyre, but the CCTV showed it was him.

“He has a terrible record, although his last housebreaking conviction was in 2009. He has been in and out of custody for the last few years.

“This housebreaking was a pathetic attempt. He had been released from prison and had nowhere to go. He took street valium and his last recollection is trying to find somewhere to stay.”

Jailing Mcinnes, Sheriff Ray Small told him: “Given your record and the nature of this offence, custody is inevitable.”