A Dundee sneak-thief was caught after a witness took his photo as the criminal was fleeing the scene.
Robert Cartmill, 36, admitted sneaking through a partially open window at a Sandeman Street address and stealing an iPad, mobile phone and hundreds of pounds worth of jewellery.
But it was as the hapless housebreaker made his getaway that one witness managed to take photos of him on their phone eventually leading police to him.
Depute fiscal Keith Robertson told Dundee Sheriff Court that a window at the property had been left ajar after a resident had smoked a cigarette in the room.
Nearby neighbours then spotted the accused entering through the window after the woman had gone to another room to watch TV.
Mr Robertson said: “Witnesses attended and one took several pictures of him using a mobile phone. None of the stolen items were recovered.”
Cartmill, a prisoner at HMP Perth, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft by housebreaking carried out on May 19 while on two bail orders. Sheriff George Way remanded him in custody ahead of sentencing next month.
