Macduff men caught by police breaking into flat

Two men who broke into a flat with intent to steal were caught red-handed by police.

Tony Strachan (20) and Lewis Adams (50) appeared at Banff Sheriff Court in connection with the incident.

Strachan, of Newton Drive, Macduff, and Adams, of Old Gamrie Road, Macduff, pleaded guilty to breaking into the flat at Moray Street, Macduff, with intent to steal on April 17 this year. Strachan committed the offence while on bail.

Fiscal depute Anne Mann told the court that at 11.30pm a witness heard a disturbance and breaking glass.

Police were called and officers attended. Strachan and Adams were found at the property and were arrested and taken to the police station where they were cautioned and charged.

Their solicitor Stuart Beveridge said his clients had been intoxicated.

He added: “They had they stupid idea to get more from the flat and were caught in the act by police.

“Both have various issues, Mr Strachan is young at 20, while Mr Adams is getting a lot of support from social work.”

Sheriff Robert McDonald sentenced Strachan to a community payback order, as an alternative to custody, with him having to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and one year of supervision.

A community payback order was also imposed on Adams who will be under supervision for six months.