‘Voices’ told man to break into Dundee charity shop

A Dundee man broke into a city centre charity shop because the “voices in his head” told him to, a court heard.

Ryan Mitchell was caught in the storeroom of Barnados in Reform Street after a member of the public saw him kicking the shop’s front door.

Mitchell, 32, of Hilltown Court, admitted breaking into the shop and attempting to steal a set of keys on Thursday morning.

He also admitted breaching a bail curfew by being outwith his home address on the same date.

Depute fiscal Eilidh Robertson said a witness walking home saw Mitchell kicking a front-door panel and that the glass had shattered.

She added: “Officers attended and saw the accused in a storeroom at the rear of the shop rifling through a set of drawers, holding onto a set of keys.”

Mitchell was taken to police headquarters where a review of CCTV confirmed the witness’s report.

Ms Robertson continued: “He refused to leave his cell to be interviewed and a check revealed he was on a curfew.”

Doug McConnell, defending, said: “There are obviously some concerns about his state of mind at the current time.”

Sheriff Tom Hughes called for reports and remanded Mitchell in custody until November 5.