A MAN who stole a bike from the back of a police station has been told his actions “were not the brightest”.

David Hendry, 36, was spotted by cops who were driving near to Stewart Street police office on January 26 this year.

They noticed he was on a bike in the back yard of the station at 1.50am and was about to make off.

He previously pleaded guilty to the theft and appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court for sentencing.

Procurator fiscal depute Victoria Keel said: “Police apprehended the accused and observed the bike to be a police production bike kept in the yard.

“They applied handcuffs to him and informed him of the offence. Thereafter, police carried out system checks noting that the accused had bail conditions to stay within his home between 7pm-7am, which was breached.

“He was informed of the further offence. He was conveyed to Govan police office. He was not formally cautioned and charged due to being under the influence. The bike was fully recovered and had no damage.”

Hendry’s lawyer explained that electronic gates to the rear yard were wide open at the time because they were broken.

Sheriff Mark McGuire replied: “Police were storing productions in a wide-open gate?”

He added: “The report is not the best but it’s not the worst. I'm minded to impose a community payback order with supervision.”

Hendry’s lawyer said: “That’s my submission. He is willing to comply with that. He’s in homeless accommodation which is not suitable for a restriction of liberty order. If this man got on top of his issues that will have more of an effect than anything else.”

The sheriff ordered Hendry to be under social work supervision for 18 months with a review in three months’ time.

He will also have a conduct requirement to attend alcohol and drug counselling.

Sheriff McGuire told Hendry: “Stealing a bike from the back of a police station is not exactly the brightest move.

“The fact you were caught was inevitable and if you hadn’t been caught then you would have been at some point.

“You clearly have a significant number of issues that need to be addressed. Sentencing is designed to try to address them. if you can get on top of them then this might allow you to turn your life around. If you don’t engage you could be in and out of court for the rest of your life.”