Court heard account of Glasgow thief, who stole from multiple shops

A thief who broke into various shops including a Glasgow convenience store, was described as playing a game of Glaswegian Cluedo, stated recent reports.

As per local reports, Bernard McNair, 31, entered four premises in the city’s Govan between October 28 and November 4, 2020.

Prosecutor Tanjeel Maleque told a jury in his closing speech, “It might read a bit like a game of Glaswegian Cluedo – the screwdriver in the Cash Convertors, the spanner in the corner shop and the bolt cutters at the dog groomers.”

McNair first struck at a Card Factory in Govan Shopping Centre, the court heard. The assistant store manager noticed that the bottom glass panel of the front door had been smashed and a good worth £19.99 while the damage to the store was valued at £500.

McNair then hit nearby Cash Convertors where he stole jewellery, watches and mobile phones. McNair caused £1,850 in damages to the store and nicked £783.83, the court heard.

The thief’s next target was a convenience store in Govan that was broken into on November 4. The till was broken and the damage to the store was valued at £1,005 with £600 in missing cash and loss of stock of £200.

McNair had used a spanner to gain entry through the door which was found and later analysed.

A dog groomers was also looted by McNair where he caused £500 in damages to the shop and £42.91 was missing.

During all his robberies, McNair used tools to gain entry into the stores which were left behind in the stores and were later found to contain his DNA.

McNair was found guilty by a jury at Glasgow Sheriff Court to four charges of breaking into commercial premises.

He earlier pleaded guilty to breaching his bail and intentionally obstructing police.

McNair also lifted £750 in tools as work was being done on the premises.

McNair told jurors that the tools belonged to his deceased dad which had sentimental value towards him. However, he struggled to say the name of the tools and what they were and randomly named tools when asked, reports said.

His footprints and DNA at all the premises were later analysed to produce a positive result for McNair.

Sentence was deferred pending background reports until later this month.

McNair was bailed meantime.