A teenage cyclist was under the influence of legal highs when he led police on a pursuit through Perth, a court has heard.
Keiran Phillips was wanted in connection with a series of raids on businesses across the city.
The 19-year-old appeared at Perth Sheriff Court on Tuesday and admitted trying to smash his way into a neighbouring takeaway restaurant and hairdressing salon in Glengarry Road, with intent to steal.
He also broke into Alliance Property Services’ premises in the city’s Shore Road and made off with a locked money box.
Phillips was sentenced to 19 months’ detention.
Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said police saw Phillips as he rode his bike on Edinburgh Road in June last year, adding that he was clearly trying to avoid eye contact with the officers.
“He immediately made off across the street. The police, in their 4×4 vehicle, activated their blue lights and pursued him.
“There was a chase and Mr Phillips made every effort to evade capture.”
Eventually, officers caught up with the teenager and placed him in the back of the police van.
Phillips, of Edinburgh Road, had earlier been spotted by a witness hanging around with another man outside the Redcap Takeaway and Eden and Athena Hairdressers on Glengarry Road in the early hours of March 10 2013.
The court heard an onlooker watched as one of the men acted as a “look-out” while Phillips stood with his back to a door between the two shops. He was seen striking a glass pane on the door at least three times.
Police were called and Phillips was caught near the scene. Shards of broken glass on his clothes were analysed and found to match the broken window pane.
The court heard Phillips had also smashed a window to get into Alliance Property Services on June 22 last year. Staff saw, from CCTV footage, that he had stolen a locked safe box.
Solicitor Cheryl McKnight said Phillips had taken legal highs and other substances at the time and had been looking for cash to help fund his habit.