TWO men were caught by a passerby trying to steal the catalytic converter from a BMW by cutting in to the vehicle with an angle grinder.

When spotted carrying out the crime in full view, one of the men said to the witness, “You alright mate?”

Police were called and found Stephen Daniel, 27, and Francis McDonald, 46, covered in dirt and dust from the car.

The incident happened on April 22, 2021 in Pollokshields.

Depute fiscal Jessica McGowan told Glasgow Sheriff Court: “The witness was walking on Barrland Street when he heard a noise sounding like power tools coming from a secure car park.

“He observed the witness Daniel wearing dark clothing and acting suspiciously around a blue BMW car.

“The vehicle had been jacked up and there were power tools around the car.

“Daniel noticed the witness and said ‘You alright mate?’

“The witness contacted the police immediately.

“Police officers thereafter attended and observed both accused in that area.

“Daniel had dirt and dust on his clothing that matched dirt and dust around the car.

“There was an angle grinder and a power saw.”

The two men were arrested and taken to Cathcart police office.

Daniel's defence lawyer told the court: “He accepted responsibility at the outset.

“He has convictions for dishonesty.”

Sheriff Patricia Pryce said she was concerned by the contents of a criminal justice social work report relating to McDonald, which suggested he did not take responsibility for the crime.

But McDonald's defence brief said: “He was shocked by what was in the report.

“It seems to me he’s trying to minimise his responsibility in trying to steal the catalytic converter.

“There is a bit of a record, though it’s fairly dated now, and there has been a significant gap in his offending.

“He’s not a young man - he is a father and has a seven-year-old son.”

Sheriff Pryce said: “I am glad that you do accept the full responsibility on this.

“You have both got records, both got previous convictions for dishonestly but you both can demonstrate periods without offending.”

Daniel, from Balornock, and McDonald, from Carntyne, were placed on a tag, keeping them at home from 8pm til 6am for 14 weeks.

Sheriff Pryce added: “Rest assured both of you, these are alternatives to custody so if you breach the order you might go to jail.”