A THIEF who entered a recycling centre when it was closed and planned to “help himself” to computers was found hiding in a skip by police.

In the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court was Anthony Thomson, 36, of Castle Avenue, Crosshill.

He admitted that on November 15 he was found in the curtilage of Recycle Fife, Cartmore Industrial Estate, Lochgelly, without lawful authority to be there so that it could be reasonably inferred he was there to commit theft.

Depute fiscal, Jade Doig, said the site was run by Fife Council: “At 5.30pm an employee was getting ready to leave when he became aware of a motor vehicle stopped near the recycling centre.

“The accused and another person made their way to the fence. As there had been previous break-ins he noted the registration and contacted the police.

“Police arrived at 6pm and found the vehicle had been left unattended. The officers, a police dog and handler searched the perimeter fence and then inside the compound. They found the accused hiding in a skip.”

Defence solicitor, James Moncrieff, said his client was unemployed. “He has a friend who repairs computers. He’s attended during the day in the past and been allowed to take things,” he added.

“On this occasion he accepts he went in and was planning to help himself.”

Sheriff Charles MacNair pointed out that Thomson had previous convictions for theft.

He called for reports and Thomson will be sentenced on October 23.