A CLUMSY crook who stole a jar of coins during a break-in and was later foiled by police has been jailed.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Ardrossan thief Gareth Higgins was caught just metres from the scene of his crime in West Kilbride when a dog barking alerted the homeowner to the housebreaking incident last year.

The 57-year-old was captured by officers on the village's Meadowfoot Road, just a street away from the address he had illegally entered on Nethermiln Road on September 14.

Higgins has previously pleaded guilty to the offence, as well as four other, unrelated, charges.

He also admitted breaching conditions of his bail on two occasions, stealing from a convenience store, and failing to attend a court hearing.

Higgins returned to Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on October 21 for sentencing where he hoped that he could serve his punishment in the community, however Sheriff Colin Bissett decided there was no alternative to prison.

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At the time, the village home was occupied by a young female homeowner and her friend who was staying with her.

The pair had both been asleep on the night in question before they were awoken by the owner's dog barking loudly.

It was discovered that a jar containing approximately £200, the homeowner's purse which had cash inside, and her passport had been taken.

Her friend's canvas bag, which held her purse and similar personal items, was also missing.

Police officers were en route to the property when a man - later identified as Higgins - matching the description was spotted "staggering around" and appeared to be under the influence.

Police stopped Higgins and saw there was a jar of coins sticking out of his rucksack.

The thief told officers that he was heading to the nearby train station, however, a search of his bag recovered all of the items described as stolen from the property.

As a result, Higgins was then arrested and taken to Saltcoats police office.

Higgins later breached the conditions of a court order after being released on bail, while he was also found to have stolen more than £30 worth of goods, including cold meats and chocolate bars, from Morrisons Daily on Central Avenue in Ardrossan.

Sheriff Bisset said: "You have a lengthy record. You inspire absolute no confidence in the social work department and given your failure to appear in court recently I find the process a bit of a waste of time to consider [a community based disposal]. I don't think there is any alternative to custody.

"However I will give you the benefit that you did negotiate a plea to your solicitor at the earliest opportunity and I will take into account the period you spent on remand.

"This court will not tolerate people not turning up at court for civil proceedings."

He was jailed for 16 months backdated to August 7 when he was remanded into custody.