Man broke into club just hours after being released from prison

Aug 28 2008

A MOTHERWELL man who broke into a Hamilton bowling club hours after he was released from prison has been jailed again.

Stefano Baraglia (43), of the town’s Merry Street, broke into Hamilton Caledonian Bowling Club with the intent to steal.

Baraglia also admitted breaking into the premises of the solicitors Nicholas J Scullion and Co in Hamilton’s Cadzow Street and stealing a bottle of wine.

His not guilty plea to a charge of breaking into the Academical Vaults pub with intent to steal was accepted by the Crown.

All of the incidents were said to have taken place last Thursday, August 21.

The previous day, Baraglia had been released from Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow.

The 43-year-old has a string of convictions for theft since 2002.

At Hamilton Sheriff Court last week, Baraglia was jailed for eight months by Sheriff Vincent Smith.

Eddie Tweedlie (61), president of Hamilton Caledonian Bowling Club, said this week: “Our secretary received a phone call from our security alarm company at around 3am last Wednesday.

“He went down to the club in Keith Street with the police and the damage was clear.

“The boardroom had been smashed up, with damage to the door and to the filing cabinet.

“There was also damage to the kitchen and bathroom areas.

“ We think the thief was trying to get access to the lounge area.

He added: “The insurers are still sorting things out.

“However, we think that the damage may cost around £1000 to fix.”