An addict who targeted the homes of two Forres pensioners was jailed for 16 months yesterday.
Guy McCall, 32, appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court on remand and admitted to stealing medication and personal belongings from the home of Dorothy Allan and Elizabeth Turner, both 82, of Fleurs Road, in April.
The court heard that Ms Turner encountered McCall in her home after returning from shopping around 3pm on April 7.
She found McCall trying to enter her bedroom through a smashed window.
He tried to push past her before grabbing hold of her bag which contained medicine, a clock, a quantity of cash and a bank card — before making off through the front door.
Two days later, he struck at the home of Ms Allan who had left her back door open for some fresh air.
She then lay down on her bed due to a sore leg and then fell asleep with the door still open.
Shortly before 4pm, neighbours spotted McCall walking through the back garden of Mrs Allan’s home carrying a plastic bag.
One of the neighbours challenged him and McAll said ‘it’s mine, she’s asleep,’ before jumping the fence and running off, the court heard.
Medication, a handbag containing two purses, a wallet, a mobile phone, a £10 phone top-up card, reading glasses and a quantity of cash had all been stolen, the court heard.
Mccall was identified by both pensioners before being tracked down and arrested days later.
Solicitor Ian Cruickshank, representing McCall, said: “Mr McCall is ashamed of his behaviour and at the time he had a very bad addiction to valium and alcohol. In April, he would gave been consuming 10-20 10mg tablets per day and anything up to a bottle of vodka per day.
“He clearly accepts this will pass the custody threshold.”
Sheriff John Rafferty said: “On around 15 occasions the court has had to sanction you for crimes of dishonesty — six of those crimes have been housebreaking matters. There is absolutely no way I can deal with you other than a custodial sentence.”