A FORRES PENSIONER returning from a shopping trip was faced with an intruder trying to break into a bedroom in her home, Elgin Sheriff Court heard on Thursday.

Guy McCall appeared on remand and admitted that he stole personal belongings from the homes of two women, both aged 82, on Fleurs Road in April.

The 32-year-old was discovered by Elizabeth Turner when she returned from a shopping trip at around 3pm on Tuesday, April 7. Sheriff John Rafferty was told that McCall was trying to enter her bedroom via a window – he grabbed hold of her bag which contained medicine, cash and a bank card before leaving through the front door.

Two days later McCall returned to the same street and entered the home of Dorothy Allan through an open back door – he was spotted by neighbours and challenged before he ran off.

McCall’s solicitor Ian Cruickshank said his client was “ashamed of his behaviour”, adding that at the time of the offences he was addicted to Valium and alcohol.

Jailing McCall for 16 months, Sheriff Rafferty said that having appeared before the court 15 times – six for housebreaking – there was no way he would deal with the case other than by imposing a custodial sentence.