A would-be thief who wrestled a security guard while trying to break into Dundee University caused over £23,000 of damage by breaking specially-designed windows.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard James Scallan had been spotted acting suspiciously around the university.
Depute fiscal Eilidh Robertson said a cleaner had seen Scallan peering into windows with a torch and alerted the security guard, 60-year-old George Culross.
She said: “Mr Culross challenged him, and the accused pushed him to the waist area and began to struggle with him.”
The pair were still struggling when police arrived.
Ms Robertson added that Mr Culross had suffered a “sore side” as a result of the scuffle.
She continued: “At this time it was discovered that window panes at the Wellcome Centre had been smashed by the accused and there was a large concrete block lying by the windows.”
Although Scallan had only managed to break the outer panes, and not gain access to the building, the court heard he had caused in excess of £23,400 of damage.
Ms Robertson said: “These are bespoke windows. There is only one firm in Ireland able to undertake the work, which is why the costs are so high.”
James Scallan, 36, a prisoner at Perth, had previously admitted assaulting the security guard by pushing and struggling with him, as well as breaking the window panes of the university’s Wellcome Trust in an attempt to steal during the incident on November 6.
Sheriff Alastair Carmichael sentenced Scallan to 10 months for both charges.