CCTV thief nicks himself

ic Renfrewshire report

Alan Hill filmed himself as he nicked the security camera from a complex for the elderly in the West End of Paisley.

Hill, 31, of Waverley Road, Foxbar, Paisley, pleaded guilty at Paisley Sheriff Court to stealing the security camera from the Renfrewshire Council-run complex - Gallagher House in March 2004.

The court was told the CCTV unit had been in position and working when the warden carried out her checks and ended her shift. Next morning she returned to find it had been removed but film footage viewed showed a male wearing a distinctive Republic of Ireland top and with a tattoo on his elbow, had been captured taking it.

Police were called and, on seeing the evidence against him, quizzed Hill, who, despite the footage, denied involvement.

Sheriff Kavanagh asked: "Was he looking into the camera while he stole it?"

He was told that was what had taken place.

A defence agent stressed her client had been under the influence of drugs at the time.

Sheriff Kavanagh deferred sentence for 6 months and called for a supplementary social enquiry report, ordering the accused to be of good behaviour.

He warned sternly: "I want to see if the progress you are making can continue but if you offend during this period, I will jail you."

A friend of the accused said: "He realises now how stupid he was. You just don't go out and film yourself nicking a camera. He's a bit of a laughing stock."