‘Joke’ break-in by painter was ‘part of prank’

ADundee painter and decorator who was caught trying to break into a customer’s home said it was all part of an elaborate “prank”.

Brian Taylor thought his victim Graham Telford would find it funny to return home and find that someone had broken in.

The 44-year-old told police Mr Telford was his friend and he had permission to enter his property in Clova Road, Kirriemuir.

But Mr Telford told investigators he had no idea who Taylor was.

Forfar Sheriff Court heard concerned neighbours raised the alarm when they spotted Taylor trying to open a window of a ground floor property.

He was earlier seen pushing buzzers at the block of flats and peering into living room and bedroom windows.

Taylor then walked to his vehicle, climbed inside and came out with a change of clothes including a snood-style mask around his face.

Fiscal depute Jill Drummond said: “He then went to the kitchen window and attempted to gain entry.

The accused told officers it was his friend’s address

“A witness contacted the police.

“At the time officers were on mobile patrol.

“They arrived to find the accused with his arms outstretched at the kitchen window.

“He was attempting to open it and he was seen to be holding a wallpaper scraper.

“Officers observed a screwdriver and hammer were on the window ledge, along with a drill bit and a single glove.

“The accused told officers it was his friend’s address and he was trying to recover his belongings.”

Taylor, of Barra Terrace, Dundee, admitted a charge of attempting to break into the property with intent to steal on August 7 2020.

Solicitor Scott Norrie, defending, told the court: “It is Mr Taylor’s position that he knew the complainer, who was the tenant at the property concerned.

“But the tenant said he did not know Mr Taylor.

“Through the complainer’s stepfather, we found that Mr Taylor had carried out painting and decorating work at the flat shortly before this offence took place.”

Mr Norrie said: “Mr Taylor was under the false impression that the complainer was fine with him entering his property.

“He was going to regain a stereo that he had left there during the decorating work.

“He thought this was a bit of a prank.”

The court heard Taylor told social workers he thought Mr Telford would find it funny when he got home.

Mr Norrie confirmed his client did not seek permission to enter the flat.

Sheriff Jillian MartinBrown told Taylor: “I accept that there has been a gap in your offending and I am satisfied that an alternative to custody would be appropriate.”

Taylor was sentenced to 85 hours of unpaid work.

BRUSH WITH LAW: Brian Taylor thought the prank break-in would amuse his victim.