A Johnstone man responsible for a recent spate of break-ins to cars and taxis across the area has avoided prison.
Peter McDougall pleaded guilty to breaking into eight cars – many of which were cabs – and stealing cash, phones and sunglasses totalling over £800.
McDougall, of Elm Drive, broke into the vehicles between September 3 and September 18 at various addresses throughout Linwood and Johnstone.
The 46-year-old claimed he had suffered a relapse and had turned to stealing cash and items to fund his crack cocaine habit.
McDougall also used a screwdriver to break into Renfrewshire Council recycling centre in Johnstone’s Miller Street on September 11, with “intent to steal”.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard that none of the items, which were valued at £825, were ever recovered. The items included cash, sunglasses, items of clothing, bank cards and a card reader.
Defence agent David Nicholson told the court McDougall had suffered a “relapse” at the time of the offences and explained: “His last conviction was in 2018 for an offence in 2016 which coincides with when he managed to rid himself of substance misuse that had plagued his life.
“Sadly, a trigger which was falling out with his sister resulted in him leaving the family home and returning to homeless accommodation and that’s what led him to illicit drug availability.
“He took a relapse and fell into substance misuse. He accepts full responsibility and is deeply remorseful and deeply ashamed. He is extremely keen to return to stability, his family are supportive and he will have employment available to him.
“He has been remanded since his first appearance and he has undertaken the steps to rid himself of these addictions while on remand.”
Sentencing, Sheriff Sukhwinder Gill stated: “You have numerous previous convictions including at the High Court and at sheriff and jury level but I note the last conviction was six years ago.
“You had a period of relapse after six years of sobriety and you needed the money for illicit substances, mainly crack cocaine. You targeted mainly taxi vehicles stealing cash and phones and things of a similar nature.”
Sheriff Gill imposed a “direct alternative to custody” ordering McDougall to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work in the community within 12 months. In addition, he was placed under supervision of the social work department for 18 months. A review hearing was assigned for December 19.
Last month, the Paisley Daily Express told how a man had been arrested in connection with a spate of break-ins involving cars and taxis in Renfrewshire.
Officers in Renfrewshire arrested McDougall in connection with the attacks on cars and taxis across the area. McDougall was arrested and held in custody to appear at the town’s court on September 23. He was remanded on this date.
Inspector Lorna McLaren said: “We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Renfrewshire. This arrest is a result of the efforts of local officers and members of the community being vigilant.”
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