A north-east woman chased a serial housebreaker down the street after spotting him near her home £4,000 worth of her possessions.
The woman in question was driving back to her home in Devanha Gardens just after midday on October 9 this year but spotted Paul Balgowan with rucksacks which looked likes ones she owned.
She approached him to inquire about this but he made a run for it down the street
The woman chased after him and two other people nearby helped detain him and waited for the police to arrive.
On arriving at her home she noted damage to the front door.
Balgowan was searched and also found to have electronic devices, jewellery, foreign currency and alcohol which he had taken from the home.
The 33-year-old confessed to theft by housebreaking during an appearance in Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
Fiscal depute Katy Begg told the court: “The total value of the items was £4,220 which were all returned.”
The court heard that serial criminal Balgowan had been released from a lengthy prison sentence in January this year but had been recalled, meaning he will not be released until 2024.
Defence agent John McLoone said his client had initially done well after being released from prison and had got a job working as a cleaner but this had come to an end in July.
He added that after struggling to get further employment he found his way to hanging out with old associates and on the day of the offence took valium which caused him to lose all inhibitions.
Sheriff Jack Brown said. “Were it not for the fortunate sighting by you by her you may well have gotten away with it.
“She had the courage to run after you and stop you from taking just over £4,000 of her property.
“This is your 23rd offence for house breaking, you are a professional.”
He jailed him for two years.