DUNDEE CARE HOME JEWELLERY THIEF THREW PRECIOUS STOLEN ITEMS IN TAY, COURT HEARS
Darren Mackie raided a care home in 2023, stealing rings, gold bands, and other jewellery, as well as cash.He fell asleep outside the Forebank Care Home shortly after forcing his way in through a window.
On the same day, CCTV footage captured the 47-year-old stealing a swing bin from a sheltered housing complex.
Mackie was traced by police on December 30, 2023, but was only prosecuted in March this year.
He will be sentenced next year after pleading guilty to the crimes.
It was revealed that the stolen items, including jewellery with high sentimental value, were thrown into the River Tay.
Mackie claimed he dumped the jewellery in the river and left the cash at the scene.
His last conviction was for public indecency in 2007.
During court proceedings, his lawyer argued Mackie suffers from a learning difficulty and was battling chronic drug addiction at the time of the thefts.
The sentencing was deferred until January for a further social work report, and his bail was continued.
