A THIEF who was caught in the act trying to steal property from a vehicle and ended up in a violent struggle with police officers has been jailed for seven months.

Mark Turnbull, of Maxmill Park in Kelso, pleaded guilty at Jedburgh Sheriff Court to entering the vehicle parked in Abbey View, Kelso, on February 8 before his confrontation with police.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told a previous hearing: "At 1am neighbours were alerted by a noise and the police were called.

"The officers then found the accused inside the drivers door of the Volvo.

"He was searching through the glove compartment with a torch and did not notice the police were there.

"An officer put a handcuff on him and he started to struggle.

"He would not allow both handcuffs on him and kicked out with his legs."

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said his 29-year-old client had little recollection of the incident due to valium intoxication.

He said: "He struggles with drugs misuse.

"He could not even recall appearing in court next day."