A THIEF who stole £1,700 worth of electrical devices from a restaurant has been jailed.

John McCormick and an unknown man broke into the GWR Restaurant in Glasgow’s West End on April 24 last year.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that the pair used a sledge hammer to force entry. They stole three iPads and a laptop.

McCormick, 54, was later caught by police and the £1000 worth of devices he had in his possession were recovered.

Glasgow Times:

His lawyer said: “He was released from prison a few years back and finally tackled his addiction issues – drinking and gambling.

“He tells me he was on his way to his nephew’s house and met an old acquaintance. He was pressured to take part in this, although he did play an active role.

“He never actually entered the premises at all. He was holding the window and taking the stuff.

“He realises custody may be at the forefront of your mind, although he is addressing his issues. He appears to be doing something right, but is not quite there yet.”

Sheriff Paul Brown jailed McCormick for 66 days.

He told him: “Your record is old, but it’s a very serious record. I see no alternative to a custodial sentence.”