Crook handed two year sentence after ruining family holiday

Lorne Hogg forced his way into a caravan at Shell Bay Caravan Park in Elie before rummaging through the property while they were out to dinner.

When they got back they discovered mobile phones, kindles, a tablet computer, alcohol and their car keys had been stolen.

Hogg (41) then made off in the family’s car, which was found almost a month later in East Wemyss.

But the hapless crook was caught after it was discovered he had left a blood stained towel inside the caravan during his raid.

Fiscal depute Eilidh Robertson told Dundee Sheriff Court: “The family returned at about 8pm and immediately saw that their car, a Citroen C4, had been stolen.

“The car had been stolen along with its contents which included some CDs and a new school uniform for the children.

“A blood stained towel was found at the locus, and forensic work later confirmed that the blood was the accused’s.

The court heard that the car when recovered had damage to the wing mirror and driver’s seat.

No other stolen property – estimated to be worth £1100 – was recovered.

Miss Robertson added that earlier that day Hogg had broken into a holiday home nearby - only to be found sitting on the couch by a housekeeper.

She said: “The housekeeper at the property came to check over the property before a new set of holidaymakers were due to arrive.

“The cottage had been left insecure with the keys sitting on a table.

“The housekeeper walked into the living room and immediately saw the accused sitting on one of the sofas.

“She could see he was bleeding from a wound to his hand. She challenged the accused and he told her he was allowed to be there so she started to make a call to the estate reception.

“Upon hearing this, the accused ran away from the locus, taking with him the key which had been on the table.

“The accused was not traced at this time and the keys have never been recovered but in any event the lock to the cottage has been changed.

“Bloodstaining at the locus later linked the accused to the crime.”

Hogg, a prisoner at HMP Perth, pleaded guilty on indictment to two charges of housebreaking committed on July 18 this year.

Defence solicitor Dewar Spence said: “He is currently subject to a community payback order.”

Sheriff Alastair Brown jailed Hogg for two years.