Repeat Lanarkshire offender jailed after stealing van from home whilst 'dangerously over the limit'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A worker watched helplessly as his van was driven off at speed from his doorstep.Repeat offender David Farquharson stole the vehicle "on the spur of the moment" after seeing the keys in the ignition and the engine running.Farquharson, a prisoner, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday.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 The 27-year-old admitted stealing the van in Lansdowne Crescent, Shotts, on May 24 and driving it dangerously while over the drink limit.Lauren Cole, prosecuting, said the worker got into the Renault van at 8.25am and started the engine, but went back into his house for his phone.Mrs Cole told the court: "He heard the noise of tyres screeching and ran outside to see his van being driven away."His partner contacted the police and, while en route, officers were given the location of the van which had a tracker attached."They drove to Burnhouse Industrial Estate in Whitburn where they saw the van being driven at speed towards them."It passed their vehicle and mounted the kerb and a grass area then continued along the street, narrowly missing another police vehicle that had attended to assist."Police officers pursued the van for a short time into Mathers Avenue where the accused abandoned the vehicle and ran off."A police officer gave chase on foot and arrested him."Farquharson was