A HOUSEBREAKER who stole from charity premises in the Borders has been placed on a night-time home curfew for the next six months.

Iain McCallum, of Eildon Crescent, Melrose, was also ordered to carry out 80 hours unpaid work at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

The 36-year-old admitted attempting to break into the premises of the British Red Cross at Wheatlands Mill on Wheatlands Road, Galashiels, using a brick to strike

a window with intent to steal on July 1.

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He returned the following day and gained entry to the building stealing a quantity of food, paperwork, business cards and plastic cups.

Procurator fiscal Fraser Matheson said McCallum was spotted near the locus at 7.40am and the attempted break-in discovered.

He said the actual break-in was discovered the following day so it had happened before 9.30am when staff arrived.

Mr Matheson added: "The value of the items taken was a nominal £10."

On being cautioned and charged by the police McCallum replied: "I am absolutely mortified."

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Defence lawyer Ross Dow said: "He has taken full responsibility for the offences. He is apparently remorseful. He had been staying out of trouble for a long time."

Sheriff Peter Paterson told him: "I am disappointed to see you back here. You are very close to a custodial sentence."

But the sheriff said he was able to apply the alternative to custody with a Restriction of Liberty Order for the next six months, keeping him within his home between

the hours of 7pm and 7am.

McCallum was given nine months to complete the 80 hours unpaid work.

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