Pigeon pair were caught in a flap
Dodgy duo claimed they were looking for wood
Two would- be thieves spotted climbing through gardens claimed they were hunting for wood to build a doo hut.
John Gaughan, 56, and Graham Kyle, 31, vaulted fences before police caught up with them in a flap.
Both admitted being outside the property without permission, with the inference they intended to steal.
When hauled into the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court, the pair insisted they were trying to find materials for the bird house.
Prosecutor Frank Clarke told how families had already noted their descriptions because they were acting suspiciously.
He said: “Residents were sitting at home and had a view of the bottom garden.
“They then saw the two men climb a fence into their own garden.
“The men opened a locked gate, giving them access to an address and ran off in that direction.
“Police were able to speak to a householder, who confirmed her garage door was opened, but when she left, it was closed.
“The gate was opened too, and its lock was broken.
“She said this had been closed and locked because she has a young child.”
The duo were found in the garden in Kelburn Street, Barrhead, on January 29.
The court heard Gaughan – who walked with a stick – had recently suffered a mini-stroke and heart attack.
But he was still able to climb into the grounds.
Defence lawyer Gemma Rathey insisted he was looking for building materials for his birds. She said: “He has pigeons. “His home overlooks the rear of the property.
“He was building a new hut for them and noticed earlier in the week that there were pieces of wood in the vicinity of the house.
“In utter stupidity, he decided to enquire whether they were still there because it would be an assistance in finishing the pigeon hut. “Ultimately, it was not there.” Solicitor Peter Galletly says Kyle had downed diazepam before being caught.
He said: “He’s 31 and lives with his mum. He’s her official carer.
“He was making his way down to the offices of the Department for Work and Pensions when he became involved in this incident.
“Two or three weeks before this, he brought himself to the conclusion he was in need of support for a growing drug problem.”
The repeat offenders were blasted by the court.
Sheriff Tom McCartney warned Kyle could face a stint behind bars.
He said: “I have decided that different methods of disposal are appropriate.
“Mr Kyle has a record of previous offences, which includes recent convictions for crimes of dishonesty.
“Clearly this offence was in the face of previous convictions and the court must consider a prison sentence. Before that, a report should be obtained.
“Mr Gaughan has a record which has only two convictions at Justice of the Peace level since 2005.”
Gaughan, of Gertrude Place, Barrhead, was fined £350. Kyle, of the same street, has been ordered to return next month for sentencing.