Paisley thief stole McDonald’s work uniform during Renfrew flat raid

James Corcoran admitted he broke into a flat in Renfrew’s Rannoch Drive on May 27, 2021.

The 43-year-old broke in and stole a Superdry backpack that contained a McDonald’s work uniform, a purse containing bank cards and a mobile phone. 

When Corcoran broke into the property, he left behind a footprint in the kitchen and a handprint on the boiler. 

Corcoran climbed in through the kitchen window and also helped himself to two bottles of beer from the fridge before ditching them in the garden. 

Procurator fiscal depute Abigail McKenna told Paisley Sheriff Court: “On May 27, 2021, all three residents of the home went to bed at 10pm having locked and secured the property.

“All windows were closed except the kitchen window which was left on the latch.

“Around 7am the following day, the woman got out of bed and went into the living room to get ready for work when she noticed her green and grey Superdry backpack containing her work uniform and a purse containing bank cards was missing. 

“She noticed the fridge in the kitchen was open and the blinds were also open. 

“She asked her family members if they had got up during the night. 

“One stated they had but only to turn down the thermostat in the hallway. 

“They all then observed a footprint in the kitchen and that the woman’s phone was missing. 

“They all then observed two bottles of beer from the fridge in the communal garden and a chair against the wall outside, there was also a handprint on the boiler.

“Police were contacted and while officers were en-route they were informed by staff at the police station a bag had been handed in by a member of the public which contained a work uniform and two chisels.

“Officers at the station took pictures of the items and officers attended at the property. 

“Pictures of the items were shown to the family and they were identified as their belongings apart from the chisels.

“All items were returned apart from the backpack which was held for DNA testing.” 

The court heard cops attended at Corcoran’s home and when he was cautioned and charged he replied: “Not composmentis at the time and can’t remember doing it.”

Defence agent David Nicholson told the court he and his client “recognised” the matter could be dealt with but asked for reports to be called for.

He explained: “There has been a significant and substantial period of no offending. 

“The James Corcoran who stands before the court today is a significantly different James Corcoran that committed this offence. 

“At the time of the offence he was a hopeless drug addict but he has now been illicit drug free for four years after seeking assistance and rehabilitation. 

“He engages voluntarily with drug rehabilitation services and has moved away from the area and now lives with his brother who is a positive influence on him and his recovery.”

Sheriff Sheena Fraser stated: “I’ve been persuaded to adjourn for a full range of reports.” 

Diet was adjourned for the preparation of a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment. 

Corcoran, now of Pollok, had his bail continued and will return to court for sentencing on February 23.