A THIEF who broke into and rummaged through a man’s home in front of his own eyes has been handed a prison sentence.

Christopher Devlin, 18, entered the victim’s property on Dumbarton Road in Partick on the morning of October 21, last year.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that the homeowner was in his bedroom when he heard someone shout “hello, hello” from inside his flat.

Prosecutor Jennifer Gilmour said: “He opened his bedroom door and discovered the accused standing in the hallway.

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“The accused then entered the living room without being invited. The man asked him to leave but the accused stated, ‘I want my money, I want my money’.”

Devlin proceeded to rummage through drawers and when asked to leave again, he replied “I won’t leave without getting my money”.

Glasgow Times:

The court heard that the homeowner was confused as he had not met Devlin before.

Ms Gilmour added: “The accused moved towards the front door and looked within a cupboard in the hall where a jacket was hanging. He rummaged through the pockets and found a wallet. He opened it and took items from within the wallet out.

“The homeowner panicked, and as a way to get the accused out of his house, he took the wallet and told the accused to take the money and go.”

Devlin was handed the only money in the wallet – a 50 euro note.

He was then ushered to the front door area, and he left. Police were contacted and traced Devlin at his room within a hostel, also on Dumbarton Road.

Officers recovered the money.

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Devlin, who appeared from custody, is currently serving a 28-month sentence for other matters including assault and theft.

His defence solicitor said: “He stayed with his mother until he got involved with drugs. People were coming to her house, threatening her, and causing damage to the property.

“He was removed from the house by his mother in March 2020, just before lockdown. He was provided with accommodation in B&B’s and hostels and became involved with bad company and things spiralled.

“He was feeding his Valium addiction.”

Sheriff Charles Lugton told Devlin that the only option available was a custodial one.

He was sentenced to 100 days in prison.