A thief who got himself caught after leaving his designer holdall at the crime scene has been jailed for 20 months.
Dean Cartwright, 28, was found by his 79-year-old victim just after midnight in her home in Glasgow’s Knightswood in April this year.
Cartwright fled, leaving his belongings and keys in a Michael Kors bag in her driveway, which was found by police.
He was later picked up drunk close to his flat without his keys, which he told officers were in the bag he had dropped.
It was then Cartwright was believed to have been the break-in culprit.
On Tuesday at Glasgow Sheriff Court, he pleaded guilty to stealing items from his victim and the unlawful possession of a knife in a public place.
The court heard Cartwright entered the pensioner’s house through an unlocked back door.
The woman heard noises and went to investigate.
She clocked Cartwright, who reeked of alcohol, clutching her handbag and a bottle of drink taken from her cabinet.
Cartwright then escaped after grabbing a knife when she threatened to dial 999.
The “badly shaken” victim discovered her house keys stolen, her television on the sofa and items sprawled on the floor.
Prosecutor Mark Allan stated a blue Michael Kors holdall was found on the driveway.
Officers were called to a block of flats nearby where a drunk Cartwright was found clutching a bottle of whisky.
Mr Allan said: “The officers accompanied him to his floor to assist to get him home and he stated he didn’t have a key to get into the property.
“He said it was within his Michael Kors holdall. It was suspected he may be the person responsible for the theft.”
The victim’s handbag was then found in a bin area.
Cartwright had a blade in his sock which he claimed was for protection.
Mr Allan added that the victim “was so shaken by the incident that her daughter had to stay with her for a few nights”.
Sheriff Martin Jones QC told Cartwright “people have to feel safe in their homes”.
He added: “The woman was obviously shaken, upset and had to get her locks changed.
“A family member had to stay with her because of what you did.”
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