Drug addict who broke into home and stole car gets prison term

A drug addict who broke into a house and stole a car to pay for his valium addiction has been jailed for 40 months.

Martin Whyte, a prisoner at Perth, appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court where he admitted three charges.

The 24-year-old entered the property on Brahan Park in Glenrothes on January 29 before making off with a quantity of electrical items, a bag and a set of car keys.

Whyte then nicked the car from outside the property before driving dangerously down the Queensway, going at excessive speed and cutting across multiple lanes at the roundabout.

The drug addict then failed to stop for two plain-clothed police officers when asked to do so and continued towards Kirkcaldy Central Retail Park.

Whyte also admitted culpably and recklessly reversing the stolen car into a police car whilst two constables were standing either side of it.

Defence solicitor Mr Moore said his client led a “chaotic lifestyle” and would benefit from supervision due to his substance abuse issues.

He said that Whyte had been waiting for benefit payments after being released from prison but had been passed from “pillar to post”.

Mr Moore said that, as a result, his client stole the car but ironically received his benefits the following day.

Sheriff James Williamson said: “Given the nature of these offences and your record and your record of failing to comply with court order, I am not persuaded that there is any other alternative but a custodial sentence.”

Whyte was jailed, and disqualified from driving for three years.