A man had admitted being part of a group that broke into a house in Arbroath.
Martin Brendan Hogan, 34, of Restenneth Drive, Forfar, admitted that on August 8, while acting with others, he broke into a house at the Steading, Hospitalfield, Arbroath, and stole a television and computer monitor.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond told Arbroath Sheriff Court on Tuesday that the items taken were valued at £170 and there was no recovery.
She said a number of neighbours had heard the house being broken into.
“Police were called and a rock covered in blood was found on the living room floor,” she said. “This was submitted to the police lab and the blood was found to belong to the accused.”
Defence agent Lynne Sturrock said her client had problems with alcohol since being dishonourably discharged from the army some years ago.
She added: “He had been drinking on the date in question and although he was acting with others, he admits responsibility.
“He went to the complainer’s house because his friend was owed money.”
Sheriff Peter Paterson sentenced Hogan to 150 hours of unpaid work.
He said: “This is an alternative to custody. If you don’t carry out this work as requested, there is a likelihood you will be given a custodial sentence.”