Housebreaker given a chance to turn life around by court

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A housebreaker who tried to steal his victim's car has been given a chance to turn his life around.Stephen McKenzie was caught when the quick-thinking female alerted police despite the shock of finding the intruder at her home.McKenzie, 33, of Calderwood Avenue, Blantyre, appeared from custody at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android He admitted breaking into a house in Auchinraith Road, Blantyre, and attempting to steal the occupant's car on August 5.McKenzie also admitted stealing clothing from a washing line and threatening or abusive behaviour towards police officers.The court heard the woman was wakened by a noise around 3.20am and found signs of a disturbance in the kitchen.Mairi-Clare McMillan, prosecuting, stated: "She heard a vehicle's engine and went outside to find a male in the driver's seat of her car."She called the police and officers arrived around 3.30.

The car's headlights were on and the engine was revving."The accused claimed he was going to move the vehicle for his girlfriend."He was arrested and bags containing bottles of alcohol, a sat nav, sunglasses, a battery charger and face masks were recovered."Another bag contained clothing that had been taken from the washing line next door."McKenzie then shouted and swore at the police officers, adding