Brazen thief who robbed Uddingston Tesco broke in through roof

On each occasion Dylan Hay forced entry through the roof of Tesco in Bothwell Road, Uddingston.

Hay, 31, admitted stealing £300 in cash from the store on November 24 last year and vodka and whisky worth £400 on February 5 this year.

Appearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court, he also admitted spitting on a police officer's boot after his arrest.

Daisy Bentley, prosecuting, said the first raid happened shortly before midnight. A security guard was on duty when the alarm went off.

Ms Bentley told the court: "He checked the cameras and saw a male within the store. Hay left via a fire exit, jumped over a fence and fled towards Trinity Drive.

"Analysis of CCTV showed he had gained access via a skylight before climbing down.

"The cost to repair the damage was £1,000. It was confirmed that £300 had been stolen from an office."

The second break-in also happened late at night when Hay forced open a ventilation shaft on the roof and lowered himself into the store's warehouse area.

He then kicked open an interior door and helped himself to bottles of spirits.

Ms Bentley added: "Hay again activated the alarm and left the store, again heading along Trinity Drive.

"On February 11 police officers traced him at an address in Calder Road, Bellshill."

Defence lawyer Diarmid Bruce said Hay had a difficult upbringing and had started taking drugs aged just 11.

Mr Bruce added: "For six months around the time of these offences, he had no accommodation. His benefits had been stopped and he was sleeping in closes."

Sheriff Colin Dunipace noted that Hay has previous convictions for crimes of dishonesty and said only a prison sentence could be imposed.