A thief high on drugs who broke into an education centre in the night and stole the keys to a community minibus has been jailed for two years.
Shaun Wilson, 35, was caught red-handed by police, including a dog handler, who rushed to the Greenpark Community Education Centre, Polmont, Stirlingshire, after he set off its external and internal intruder alarms.
Wilson was still inside the building with the keys to the centre's large minibus in his pocket, when officers arrested him at 4.50am.
Prosecutor Alistair McDermid said the main office of the centre had been ransacked, a number of windows had been smashed, and it appeared Wilson had been trying to force open drawers.
CCTV showed Wilson, wearing dark clothing and a mask, using tools to force open the fire exit door of the centre, behind Polmont Old Parish Church, before striking the CCTV camera with a hammer, causing it to go off line.
The incident occurred on July 13th (2021).
Mr McDermid said the minibus had been heavily booked for trips throughout the summer.
He said: "The centre is a facility which supports community groups and runs various educational and leisure classes."
Appearing by video link at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Wednesday [Sept 15th], Wilson, of Falkirk, a carer for his mother, pleaded guilty to theft by housebreaking.
Solicitor-advocate Stephen Biggam, defending, said the accused had taken street Valium.
He said: "It didn't agree with him and he has no recollection of what took place.
"He is appalled and ashamed by his conduct."
Imposing the two-year jail term, Sheriff Eric Brown said Wilson had an "extensive record", including a number of previous convictions for dishonesty.
