A notorious crook who ransacked a string of businesses across Paisley, Renfrew and Johnstone has been caged for almost four years.
Thomas Paterson, 30, targeted a pub and a motor garage in Paisley, an electronics shop in Johnstone, and another pub in Renfrew, during the high value break-ins.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard claims drug addict Paterson had gone on his crime blitz across Renfrewshire after he was attacked by dealers over his mounting debts.
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He first broke into Buddies Bar, in Wellmeadow Street, and stole of money between August 7 and 8, 2018.
Paterson, who has a lengthy record of previous convictions, including housebreaking, then targeted Overburn Motors, in Neilston Road, where he stole two cars after lifting car keys.
He also swiped two computers during the raid at the motor business between September 9 and 10, 2018.
The crook then broke into the Ibitz Store, at High Street, Johnstone, between on September 24 and 25, 2018, where he stole thousands of pounds of equipment, including mobile phones, tablets computers and laptops.
The thief then hit the Flying Scotsman pub at Broadloan, Renfrew, on November 6, 2018, stealing a sum of cash.
He was brought from prison, for sentencing after the court had called for background reports ahead of sentencing.
Defence agent Ross Jenkins explained that Paterson was banged up in HMP Addiewell serving another sentence when these offences came to light.
He added that Paterson, formerly of Langcraigs Drive, Paisley, had only pleaded guilty to the four charges of housebreaking and a breach of bail, on the day of the trial.
He said: “He has a lengthy record of convictions, some of which are significantly analogous.
“Clearly, the motivation for these crimes was his drug dependency and alcohol addiction problems.
“This addiction led him to have a significant drug debt.
“The people he owed this money to gave him the option of committing these crimes in order to repay them.
“He had been assaulted by these people and was in a vulnerable state.”
The lawyer said Paterson still owed £2,000 in outstanding debts and has approached his family for help.
He insisted the yob has stopped using substances behind bars.
Sheriff David Pender told him: “There is no doubt you have a substantial record of convictions for crimes of dishonesty, including several convictions for housebreaking.
“These offences are very serious matters and I have no other way of dealing with this than by imposing a sentence of imprisonment.”
He handed Paterson 45 months behind bars and imposed one year’s post release supervision in order to protect the public.
