A career criminal known as Crook has been convicted of stealing alcohol worth £1500 from a masonic hall shortly after robbing a Coatbridge company’s offices. John Paul Crook, a 46-year-old resident of Coatbridge, has a criminal history spanning 30 years with a total of 66 convictions. He pled guilty to breaking into TES Electrical on Hornock Road on February 27 last year. The court heard that Crook was captured on CCTV climbing over the company’s perimeter fence in the early hours and spent over an hour on the premises, stealing petty cash, bank and fuel cards, as well as keys to vehicles and outbuildings. The break-in resulted in approximately £7000 worth of damage to the office building. Police officers were able to identify Crook from the CCTV footage.
Subsequently, Crook broke into Lodge St Andrew 544 on Wood Street, Coatbridge, on March 6 or 7 while he was out on bail. CCTV footage at the masonic hall showed Crook stealing alcohol from a locked storeroom, and his DNA was found on a door. Sheriff Tony McGlennan deferred the sentencing until the next month for further background reports. Despite being held in custody since his arrest in August, Crook was granted bail with the sheriff imposing a community payback order from the previous month to monitor his behaviour.
In a bid to deter Crook from further offending, the sheriff emphasised that all sentencing options remain open and expressed a desire for the defendant to improve his behaviour and earn the court’s trust. Defence agent Paul Belardo acknowledged the responsibility lies with Crook to demonstrate improved conduct to the court.
In summary, the career criminal Crook’s brazen thefts highlight the persistent nature of his criminal activities and the detrimental impact on the community. The sentencing deferred by the sheriff aims to address Crook’s pattern of offending and provide an opportunity for rehabilitation. Crook’s ability to comply with the community payback order and demonstrate a change in behaviour will be pivotal in determining his future sentencing.