Drugged burglar avoids prison sentence after breaking into home

A man breaks into a woman's bedroom, leading to a court case and community service.

A 49-year-old man, Lee Witts, has narrowly escaped a prison sentence after a late-night burglary at a woman’s home in Newtonhill. The incident, which occurred around AM on May 21, left the homeowner shocked and her property ransacked.

Witts, who admitted to the crime in Aberdeen Sheriff Court, stole various items, including scarves and jewelry, which have yet to be recovered.

The Incident Unfolds

According to fiscal depute Maliya Ngalam, the homeowner awoke to find Witts standing in her bedroom holding a torch.

Startled, she questioned his presence, prompting Witts to flee the scene. Upon checking their home, the couple discovered a chaotic scene, with clothes and personal belongings scattered throughout the hallway. The police were promptly called, leading to the discovery of stolen items, including a black mobile phone and several pieces of jewelry.

Witts’ Background and Legal Proceedings

In court, Witts pleaded guilty to one charge of housebreaking and theft. He also admitted to stealing a doorbell camera during a separate incident in Newtonhill on August 2 of the previous year. His defense solicitor, Shane Campbell, revealed that Witts had no recollection of the events due to his heroin addiction, which he has struggled with for many years. Campbell emphasized that Witts has been drug-free since December of last year and expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the harm he caused to his victims.

Sentencing and Community Payback Order

Despite the serious nature of the charges, Sheriff Margaret Hodge took Witts’ troubled past and his expression of remorse into account. She noted the severity of breaking into someone’s home in the middle of the night but ultimately decided against a prison sentence. Instead, Witts was placed under a community payback order with supervision for two years and ordered to complete 270 hours of unpaid work. This decision reflects a growing trend in the justice system to address underlying issues such as addiction while still holding offenders accountable for their actions.

The case highlights the complexities of dealing with crime related to substance abuse and the potential for rehabilitation. As Witts begins his community service, it remains to be seen how he will navigate his recovery and the impact of his actions on the victims involved.