Thief caught red-handed by cops

A thief started a fire after breaking into a flat in Stonehouse.

Police officers alerted by a neighbour caught Fraser Mitchell red-handed as he carried a stolen TV down the stairs, Hamilton Sheriff Court heard.

Mitchell (25), of Woodfarm Road, Thornliebank, Glasgow, admitted breaking into the flat in New Street and starting a fire on January 14.

John Moffat (30), of Carlisle Road, Lesmahagow, had his not guilty pleas to the charges accepted.

Callum Forsyth, prosecuting, said neighbours in the block heard what sounded like a door being forced about 2am and called the police.

The fiscal explained:“officers made their way to the flats and there, coming down the stairs carrying a TV, was the accused Mitchell.

“He was taken hold of and officers noticed smoke emanating from a flat. One officer went upstairs and saw a fire in the living room. He got a fire extinguisher from the police car and put out the flames.

“Firefighters were called out too. I understand paper had been set on fire and this had spread to the carpet and couch.

“The householder, who was not present at the time, was later reunited with his TV and a bluetooth speaker which was also found on the accused.”

Mr Forsyth said the cost of repairs and replacing furnishings was £1,300.

A defence agent said Mitchell was “in a bad place through drink and drugs”at the time of the break-in.

He added:“he has since sorted himself out, turned the corner and obtained full time employment.”

Sentence was deferred until November 8 and Mitchell had his bail continued.