Sneak-in thief stole handbag from home in Arbroath while on bail

An Angus sneak-in thief was remanded in custody on Saturday by Sheriff Kevin Veal.

Richard Allan, 40, of Emislaw Drive, Arbroath, appeared from custody at a special sitting of the town’s sheriff court.

He admitted that on Friday at Kinnaird Street, Arbroath, he stole a handbag and contents from a property while on bail.

Procurator fiscal Craig Harris said it was a sneak theft which happened at 3.30am. The court heard there were people in the property at the time of the offence.

Defence agent Billy Rennie described the theft as “opportunistic”. He said Allan had seen the property which had been left on a window sill.

Mr Rennie said: “He saw it and went in through the back door.”

Mr Rennie moved for bail for his client after Sheriff Veal deferred sentencing for reports. However, the sheriff refused bail and remanded Allan in custody.

Sheriff Veal said: “There was a very recent bail order and this occurred in a house at 3.30 in the morning when other people were present.”

Allan will appear again on May 20.