John McEwan went on a one-day crime spree including breaking into a council van and stealing a local authority mobile phone.

The 38-year-old, of Abbotshall Avenue, Drumchapel, pleaded guilty to four thefts or attempted thefts, as well as to having a hatchet.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court was told the offences date back to November 2 and 3, 2023.

It started at a property in Broomhill Crescent, Bonhill, when a West Dunbartonshire Council van was broken into. The person's council-issued mobile phone and work ID cards were stolen.

CCTV then spotted McEwan at the rear door of Keystore in Ladyton. He made attempts to gain entry using a trolley, then returned a short time later and tried to break in with a brick.

At 6.35am on November 3, a witness at a property in Redburn, Bonhill, was woken by their Ring doorbell.

The witness hadn't secured their motor vehicle and saw items missing from the boot, including two bags with clothing such as a hat and trousers.

They spoke to McEwan.

At 9.30am, at another Redburn flat, a witness saw a high-viz vest hanging out of the boot of their insecure vehicle. A bank card had been stolen.

Later on November 3, police arrested and searched McEwan, finding a bag that included items such as the bank card. There was also a hatchet.

On February 18, he pleaded guilty to break-ins and thefts, and to possession of an offensive weapon.

His defence solicitor said his client was jailed for 18 months in November for similar crimes dating from last August.

McEwan had a history of a drug problem and mental health issues, which had deteriorated.

"He has spent most of his adult life in custody," said the solicitor. "When under pressure and struggling, he falls into these habits."

Sheriff Ian Duguid KC said: "Your solicitor recognises by virtue of your record, the inevitable sentence is another of imprisonment.

"That's regrettable - regrettable that there has not been any significant attempt to rehabilitate yourself rather than being in a continuous cycle."

McEwan was jailed for 12 months.