Bungling burglar staggered out of store window to meet police

POLICE had no problem catching a bungling robber after he smashed his way into a newsagent’s shop, a court has heard.

As they waited in the street outside, Gordon Harper staggered out through a broken window and gave himself up.

He told them that he’d nicked a racetrack and model car because he thought his nephew would like it.

Paul Beaton, prosecuting, said someone had called police when they saw Harper forcing open the shutters.

He added: “The accused climbed out of the window of the shop as the police were standing there. He identified himself and was taken into custody. He smelled strongly of alcohol.”

Harper, 22, appeared for sentence on three charges at Livingston Sheriff Court yesterday. He earlier pleaded guilty to theft by housebreaking at Davidson’s newsagents in Bathgate, West Lothian, on July 1.

He further admitted breaking into a garage in Whitburn, West Lothian, on October 25 and stealing alcohol, frozen food, a wheelbarrow and household goods. And he admitted breaching a bail curfew by being out at night.

Sheriff Douglas Kinloch jailed Harper for ten and a half months.