Custodial sentence for youth who broke into home and stole car

A teenager who broke into a house in Fife and stole a TV before driving off in the homeowner’s car has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in custody.

Cameron Corbett, 19, currently detained at Polmont Young Offenders’ Institution, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court for sentencing.

He previously admitted that on May 25 while acting with others, he broke into a house on Blairadam Crescent, Kelty, stole a television, a quantity of jewellery and two car keys. He also admitted while acting with others he stole a car from the same address.

Depute fiscal Sarah Lumsden told the court that the couple who live at the house had gone on holiday abroad.

On the night of the break-in, a neighbour heard two loud thuds at around 2.10am and when he looked out of his window he saw someone with a torch in the garden of the victims’ home, with two others standing nearby at the rear door.

The police were contacted and the man continued to watch what was happening.

Before police arrived, the thieves were seen carrying a TV out of the house, which was being searched throughout by torchlight.

Two vehicles were then heard speeding out of the street.

The stolen Audi A3 was later spotted in a car park in South Queensferry with the TV still in the back. A man who had earlier seen a Facebook post about the theft contacted the police.

In forensic testing, Corbett’s DNA was found to be on the steering wheel but he denied any involvement when arrested.

Sheriff Craig McSherry said: “Breaking into a home with a view to stealing a car is a crime that’s increasing in Scotland.”