A serial offender who was caught red-handed stealing Christmas decorations from outside a house in Perth has dodged jail “by the skin of his teeth”.
William Taylor, who was told he had an “appalling” record for crimes of dishonesty, was spotted breaking into a locked storage unit in the city’s Stanley Crescent.
The 54-year-old was seen by residents lifting armfuls of tinsel and baubles, as well as an old vacuum cleaner and a painting table.
When he realised he was being watched, he put back the not-so-lucrative haul in the box.
Taylor appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted theft by opening a lockfast place on April 18 2021.
Box was forced open
Fiscal depute Rachel Hill said: “The complainer does not reside at the location but he keeps various items in a locked storage unit at the front of the property.
“It is secured by a padlock.”
She said residents whose homes overlook the area saw Taylor forcing open the box.
“He saw observed removing several items.
“They thereafter contacted police.”
The court heard officers attended and were given a description of Mr Taylor, who was found nearby.
He conceded he had taken the items but returned them.
Solicitor Billy Somerville, defending, said: “He realised he was being watched and put the items back. There was a full recovery.”
Alternative to prison
Sheriff John MacRitchie was told police did not have an estimated value for the stolen goods.
“Given that it was a second hand vacuum cleaner, a painting table and Christmas decorations I will proceed on the basis that its tens of hundreds of pounds, rather than anything more,” he said.
The sheriff told Taylor: “The position is that you have an absolutely appalling record for this type of offence, going back decades.
“Even though the value is relatively small, this passes the custody threshold and I am giving serious consideration as to whether or not it is my duty to imprison you.”
He added: “But given the value involved, the fact these items were recovered and that your last analogous conviction was four years ago, you have avoided a custodial sentence today by the skin of your teeth.
“This would still have been of considerable nuisance and fortunately you were caught by witnesses and to your credit, you returned these items.”
Taylor, whose address was listed as Greyfriars Hostel, Princes Street, was ordered to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work.
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