Thief stole van after break-in Bankcardandwatchesinhaul

A Larkhall man broke into a house in the town and stole a bank card, watches, a key, and a van worth £28,000.

Alan Williamson, of Nevison Street, this week admitted breaking into the Machan Avenue property on November 4 last year and stealing the items while acting with others.

The 30-year-old also admitted a charge of maliciously breaking a window at a house in the town’s Wilson Street on December 2.

His not guilty plea to a charge of driving without insurance, without a driving licence and hindering police officers were all accepted by the Crown.

Fiscal depute Callum Forsyth told Hamilton Sheriff Court on Tuesday that householders at the Machan Avenue address, Mr and Mrs Blessing, were leaving their home to attend a medical appointment in Glasgow at 11.30am on November 4 last year. A young man outside, who was with another male, asked to speak to their son Ryan. Mr Blessing told them that Ryan was not at home.

Mr Blessing asked who he should tell his son had been calling, and was told: ‘Jamie.’

A short time later police received reports concerning a motor van. Officers attended. Near where the van was last seen, Williamson was spotted coming out of the driver’s door and making off. He was pursued by officers, who stopped him a short distance away.

Williamson was searched, and found to have Mr and Mrs Blessing’s son’s bank card in his possession, two watches from the house and a key for the van.

The police attended the Machan Avenue address having got the keeper’s details for the van.

It became obvious a glass panel on the front door of the property had been forced.

The bank card and watches were returned to Mr and Mrs Blessing. Mr Forsyth said the watches were of “nominal value” but the van was worth £28,000. The day after Williamson was released on bail, he went to an address in the town’s Wilson Street.

At about 1.50pm, said Mr Forsyth, a Ms Love was at her home address when she became aware of Williamson at a neighbour’s house.

The fiscal depute said Williamson was seen to lift a piece of wood and strike a glass door causing it to break.

Williamson walked off and Ms Love contacted police. He was traced at 10.15pm and was intoxicated when arrested, said Mr Forsyth.

Solicitor Diarmid Bruce told Sheriff Marie Smart that Williamson had a Valium problem.

He also explained Williamson was a timeserved electrician, but when he lost his job started to hang around with younger people who behaved badly.

He suffered from panic attacks and took Valium to calm him down.

Sheriff Smart deferred sentence on Williamson until September 27 for a criminal justice social work report and restriction of liberty order assessment. Bail was granted meantime.