Serial thief jailed over four-year Perth break-in spree
A serial thief who admitted breaking into a hospital, businesses and a building site during a four-year break-in spree has been jailed.
Scott Robertson stole metal, tools and TVs from a number of properties around Perth between 2010 and 2013.
The 33-year-old was also questioned in connection with thefts from primary schools, a charity hospice and Sir Brian Soutar's hotel, although those charges were later dropped.
Robertson was jailed for 30 months.
Perth Sheriff Court heard that the other members of a gang involved in the thefts had pointed the finger at Robertson. He claimed that he had been made a "scapegoat", asking: "Where are the rest of them?"
He admitted breaking into a ward at Murray Royal Hospital and stealing a quantity of copper in June 2010, and stripping fixtures and fittings from the Dine India restaurant over the festive period of 2012.
In January 2013 he broke into EasyLet and stole a television, although he dropped it as he tried to make his getaway. That spring he broke into a building site where a new Sainsburys was being built in the city and stole a large quantity of tools, and a few days later broke into a neighbour's house and stole further items.
Also in March 2013, Robertson admitted breaking into the Ring O'Bells pub and stealing a number of televisions.
He originally faced 11 charges, which included stealing from the Caledonian Road Primary School, Cherrybank School, Capability Scotland's Kinnoull House and Sir Brian Souter's Waverly Hotel.
He admitted six of the offences, and the remaining five were dropped by the Crown.
Sheriff Fiona Tait told him: "The difficulty you face is in the accumulation of charges here. Having regard to the nature of the offences I am not persuaded there is an alternative to custody."
As well as jailing him, she ordered Robertson to be placed on 12 months supervision after his release.