Gang 'carefully planned and executed' Motherwell ram raid

The crooks used their van to smash through the door of the premises before loading up with three machines worth around £25,000.

Thomas Wilson, 22, of Edinburgh, appeared from custody via videolink at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

He admitted that, while acting with unknown accomplices, he broke into Rapid Motorcycles in Davaar Drive and stole bikes on September 14 last year.

Wilson also admitted committing the crime while on bail and breaching a bail curfew imposed at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on August 19.

Alice Carey, prosecuting, said the gang's Ford Transit van reversed through the gates outside the garage at Braidhurst Business Centre shortly before 1am.

She told the court: "It struck an oil tank, causing large amounts of oil to spill.

"The van was then driven into the garage door in order to force entry.

"Four males were present and they stole three motorcycles - Honda, KTM and Yamaha models."

The van was then driven off, followed by a Vauxhall Astra.

Ms Carey added: "A trawl of CCTV showed both vehicles travelling along the A89 towards Bathgate.

"It was noted that Thomas Wilson was the registered keeper of the Astra and he was traced at his home in Edinburgh.

"There were oil stains on his clothing."

Wilson's agent stressed he was "not involved in the planning of the crime" and was paid only £50 as a driver.

The solicitor stated: "He was phoned by one of the principal actors late in the evening prior to this.

"They were intending to commit this offence but were short in terms of transport.

"He was asked to attend in the Vauxhall Astra and give a lift to one of the others as there would not be enough room in the van with the motorbikes."

Sheriff Thomas Millar deferred sentence on Wilson until next month for a criminal justice social work report to be produced.

Wilson, who has been in custody since September 15, remains behind bars.

The sheriff told him: "You took part in a carefully planned and executed theft of high value items."