Champion fighter battered thief who raided his motor

Armed prowler got more than he bargained for

A hapless thief was on a hiding to nothing when he targeted the home of a professional fighter.

George Halliday, 44, was left with a face full of marks instead of loot after he broke into a Range Rover belonging to the champion fighter, who cannot be identified.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard Halliday was out on the prowl when he tried to break in to the house belonging to the victim at Floors

Street, Johnstone, on August 11.

Failing to get inside, Halliday then forced open the boot of the car and swiped a bag and a number of tools, before fleeing the scene.

However, the victim, upon hearing the noise outside, gave chase, and caught up with Halliday, where he was given more than an earful.

Procurator fiscal depute Tanjeer Maleque said: “The complainer was at the property when accused Halliday attempted to enter. He was in possession of a crowbar.

“He made his way to a Range Rover outside, which was locked.

“He made his way back to the property and, using the crowbar, tried to force open the door.

“He did not manage to gain entry. He went back to the vehicle and on this occasion was able to gain entry.

“The accused had taken several items and placed them in a bag he was carrying. He then ran off.

“The complainer, who observed him in possession of the crowbar and two bags, gave chase.

“The accused was closely followed by the complainer.”

Halliday pleaded guilty to forcing open the locked vehicle, where he stole tools and a number of items.

He also admitted attempting to break into the property at Floors Street, Johnstone.

He also pleaded guilty to breaking into a car at Craigston Road, Johnstone, on December 20, 2018, where he stole a quantity of clothes, a bag, sun glasses, perfume, toiletries and confectionary.

Defence agent Terry Gallanagh told the court: “When he appeared from custody in this court, he had significant facial injuries following these events.”

The lawyer urged the court to spare him jail, given his plea of guilty and to take account of the time he had already spent behind bars.

Sheriff Lindsey Kooner put Halliday on an electronic tag for 140 days, requiring him to remain indoors between 7am and 7pm and handed him 15 months of supervision by the local authority.

The complainer, who observed him in possession of the crowbar and two bags, gave chase