A housebreaker's brief crime spree in Falkirk came to an end because of his pink pants

James Welch (46) was caught in the act of stealing from a house when the home owner and his son came home from shopping and saw the living room light was on – and Welch was inside, rifling through their possessions.

The wrong ‘un escaped through the conservatory and out through the back garden, where he jumped over a fence.

However, as he made his getaway he tripped and his “bright pink boxer shorts” were spotted poking out from his trousers by the householder's eagle-eyed 14-year-old son.

The homeowner gave chase but lost Welch and phoned police – telling them Welch was last seen heading in the direction of the town's Dollar Park and giving them a full description, including the colour of his undergarments.

Around 20 minutes later officers spotted Welch near the park and took down his particulars.

Appearing by video link from custody at Falkirk Sheriff Court earlier today, Welch admitted the theft he committed at a premises in Camelon Road, Falkirk, on November 9 last year.

Procurator fiscal depute Ronnie Hay said: “Police on duty near the entrance of Dollar Park saw the accused and noted his description matched that given by the householder.“He had a hole in his trousers showing bright pink boxer shorts.”

He was arrested and found with loot stolen from the house, including a £150 watch, £75 in cash, 110 Euros, and £7 worth of bus vouchers.

Examination of the house revealed entry had been gained by inserting an unknown implement into the Yale lock, forcing the door open, causing £800 worth of damage in the process.

Sheriff Simon Collins QC jailed Welch, who comes from Glasgow, for seven months, and ordered him to also serve a 300 day unexpired portion of a previous offence – being concerned in the supply of heroin – in respect of which he was at large on licence at the time.