Thief tried to hide under a pile of leaves after stealing from Inverness dentist

A HABITUAL housebreaker who broke into an Inverness dental practice tried to hide in a bush, partly covered in leaves to escape police detection.

But 41-year-old Allan Smith was quickly discovered after the Southside Dental Practice’s alarm activated in the early hours of October 16, 2020 and brought police rushing to the scene.

Inverness Sheriff Court was told that when Smith – described as an Inverness prisoner, and who previously lived in a Hilton housing estate – was being placed in a cell, he coughed and spat in the direction of officers.

Smith, who appeared by video link because he is on remand, pleaded guilty to theft by housebreaking and culpable and reckless conduct.

Sentence was deferred until April 28 for a background report, although Sheriff Margaret Neilson said she did not require one because of Smith’s previous records.

He had also admitted his convictions, which included many for drugs, break-ins and dishonesty.

Fiscal depute Robert Weir told the court: “Various officers including a dog handler attended and they observed a BMX bike leaning against a wall of the practice.

“A window had also been smashed at the rear and a hammer was sitting on the ledge underneath.

“The police dog indicated towards a bush and officers found the accused there lying underneath it.

“He had attempted to obscure himself under a pile of leaves.

“A cash box was next to him and a pair of scissors. In it were various cards including the company credit card.

“CCTV was later reviewed which showed him using a lighter as a torch as he rummages through drawers.

“On his arrival at Burnett Road Police Station, due to his aggressive conduct, he was taken to a cell and as one officer was leaving, he started to cough and spit and stated: ‘I hope you all get Covid’.

Defence solicitor advocate Shahid Latif asked the sheriff to obtain a background report with a view to getting a drug treatment and testing order assessment.

Sheriff Neilson noted that Smith had already been on an order which he breached but agreed to the request for a report.

Mr Latif said: “He can’t escape from his record but his last conviction was in 2017.

“I would also like the CCTV footage in the police cell to be played when he is sentenced to put the second charge [spitting] in context.”

Smith was again remanded in custody.