A man caught red-handed breaking into a Blantyre house claimed the occupiers owed money.
Connar MacPherson, 33, of Burnbrae Road, Blantyre, was jailed for a year at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He admitted that, while acting with another person, he broke into a terraced property in Fernslea Avenue with intent to steal on February 9.
MacPherson also admitted kicking a police officer at University Hospital Wishaw after his arrest.
Lewis Devoy, prosecuting, said the break-in happened about 9am.
He told the court: “A neighbour at his front window saw the accused and another person, who has since died, kicking the front door multiple times before entering the house.
“The police were alerted and officers arrived to find the door open and damaged.
“They went upstairs and saw the accused MacPherson who tried to hide behind a bedroom door. They noted he was wearing a grey hood pulled down to his eyebrows with his chin tucked into his jacket.
“He told the officers ‘It’s fine. They just owe money’.
“MacPherson was taken to Motherwell police station but became increasingly drowsy. His speech was slurred and he was struggling to stay awake.
“He was then taken to hospital and, while waiting to be assessed, kicked an officer on the knee.”
Defence lawyer Scott Jones said MacPherson, who admitted previous convictions, has mental health and drug addiction issues.
The solicitor added: “He is remorseful. He knows his behaviour was unacceptable.”
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