Louts freed after £35k rampage at council HQ

Two yobs who caused damage worth £35,000 when they trashed North Lanarkshire Council’s HQ have been freed.

Aaron McGurk and Connor McLaughlan wrecked computer equipment and television screens, ripped tiles from ceilings and poured food and drink over floors and walls.

Their three-hour rampage at the Civic Centre happened directly across the road from the area’s main police station in Windmillhill Street, Motherwell.

The pair were finally spotted on CCTV and arrested as they left the building.

McGurk, 21, and McLaughlan, 20, both of Provanmill, Glasgow, appeared from custody via videolink at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday.

They admitted causing damage after gaining entry to the building without authority on February 22.

Jennifer McCabe, prosecuting, said three 60-inch TVs, including two in the council chamber, were smashed.

The intruders also damaged four Smartboards, photocopying machines, printers and microphones, and pulled tiles from ceilings.

Ms McCabe said food and drink containers were opened and soup, coffee, milk and sugar poured on floors and furniture.

The council had to hire cleaners, electricians, painters and decorators to carry out repairs.

The court heard the pair had been at a party and were under the influence of drink and drugs.

McGurk’s lawyer admitted he’d behaved in a “shameful” manner.

Sheriff Douglas Brown said he was willing to release the pair because they had spent more than four months in custody since their arrest.

They will be supervised for 18 months under community payback orders.

McGurk was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work while McLaughlan must do 230 hours.