A crack cocaine addict smashed his way through the front door of a popular city restaurant and stole an iPad, cash and a bottle of alcohol.
Christopher Sinclair burst his way into The Selkie, weeks after mounting a raid on a takeaway in the city centre.
The 34-year-old, who has more than 60 convictions, was granted bail at Dundee Sheriff Court but ordered to stay away from the Exchange Street premises after admitting what he had done.
Sinclair has also been banned from Zangos Peri Peri restaurant on Nethergate after committing a similar crime there in February.
He also admitted breaching a strict curfew twice after being found outside his Dunholm Road home after 7pm.
The court heard Sinclair, 34, slept through a previous attempt to see if he would be suitable for a restriction of liberty order.
Drug abuse
Defence solicitor Anika Jethwa told the court his problems stem from an addiction to crack cocaine.
She said: “Drugs are his major issue.
“He is in a cycle of drug misuse.
“He has been taking Valium on top of his prescription.
“But it is crack cocaine which has caused serious issues for him.
“His offending happens mostly at night.”
Sinclair admitted breaking into The Selkie on May 5 this year, while on bail and a curfew.
He further admitted breaking into Zangos Peri Peri on February 13.
There he stole a till with £100 in it, a container with £15 inside, a delivery bag and some fizzy juice.
Banned from restaurants
Deferring sentence for four weeks, Sheriff Charles Lugton said: “Your report does not make for happy reading.
“I’m going to defer sentence for a restriction of liberty assessment and a drug treatment order.
“If you do not turn up you will be sentenced to a period of custody.
“You must not enter or attempt to enter The Selkie on Exchange Street or Zango on Nethergate.”
Sinclair will return for sentencing on June 8.
Thanks to generous public
When they reopened after Sinclair’s break-in, the cafe’s management took to Facebook to say: “You can’t keep a good Selkie down!
“We are open and thanks to some brilliant people we even have an all new glass in the front door.
“The police have been brilliant… I was so angry this morning but now I’m just thankful that it was only things taken we are all safe and well.
“I’m so thankful to be in Dundee where most people are fundamentally good and happy to help.”
They later thanked the group of businesses which stepped in to help and a member of the public who gifted £100.
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