A would-be thief ended up breaking his leg in 11 places after falling through the roof of the B&Q garden centre he was attempting to break into.
Stuart McLeod was found lying on the ground after shattering his leg; he had been trying to steal some power tools that he had hidden in the garden centre while visiting the store earlier the same day. The store keyholder, Victoria Guild, had been called there on the night of the incident.

Perth Sheriff Court in Scotland heard how 46-year-old Mr McLeod had tried to climb across the roof netting above B&Q's garden centre before the metal support pillar collapsed and he fell. Ms Guild estimated he had fallen as much as 30ft. She also told the court that she spotted a large pair of scissors in Mr McLeod's pocket, which she believed he used to cut the netting in order to get through, but she said he could have fallen on them and caused himself a lot more damage.

While appearing in court, Mr McLeod, of Primrose Crescent in Perth, denied the charge and claimed he had climbed up to retrieve his keys that had been thrown by his former partner during a row. He added that he needed three operations and was left with plates in his leg.

However, Mr McLeod was found guilty of being in the Perth B&Q with intent to commit theft. Sentencing was deferred.

This is one of several incidents involving thefts at DIY stores within the last year. Earlier this month a gang of thieves were sentenced to a total of six years in prison for stealing thousands of pounds' worth of goods from B&Q branches, and in September, £300 worth of power drills were stolen from a branch of Homebase.