A DUNFERMLINE farmer who found thieves on his property early in the morning blocked off the road to prevent them driving off in their van.

With their break-in thwarted, one of the group then threatened the farmer, telling him he would return the next day to “blow up” his Jeep and “smash his face in”.

Appearing from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court were Alexander Cunningham, Darryl McColl and Christopher Wilson.

They admitted various offences which occurred at a farm to the north of Dunfermline, on August 23.

Cunningham, 22, of Carden Castle Park, Cardenden, and McColl, 28, of Donald Crescent, Thornton, both admitted they were found in the curtilage of the farm without lawful authority whereby it could be inferred they were there to commit theft.

Cunningham also admitted being in possession of a pair of secateurs.

McColl also admitted that he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting and repeatedly uttering threats of violence, threatening to return and damage property.

Christopher Wilson, 30, of Myrtle Crescent, Kirkcaldy, admitted driving at the farm without being the holder of a driving licence. He also admitted driving without insurance.

Depute fiscal Craig Donald told the court: “At 5.30am a blue van was seen driving towards the farm and the owner was alerted in a telephone call.

“The farmer carried out a check of his property. A door to a steading was open but nothing was stolen. Farm vehicles were parked in such a way to prevent the accused from leaving by blocking the road.”

Police were contacted and arrived at 6am. They searched the property and the accused were apprehended.

Cunningham was found to be in possession of secateurs found in his trouser leg.

When McColl was being detained he made a number of threats to witnesses.

He shouted at the farmer: “I hope your Jeep is insured because I’m coming back tomorrow to blow it up and I’m going to smash your face in.”

Jaclyn Meisel, representing McColl and Cunningham, conceded her clients both had lengthy schedules of previous convictions.

On the threats made by McColl, Ms Meisel said: “He says he clearly didn’t intend to carry out any of the threats. They were said in the heat of the moment. He accepts the recipients of the threats would be concerned and alarmed by his choice of words.”

The court was told Wilson has never held a driving licence.

Sheriff Charles Macnair jailed McColl for six months and Cunningham for four months. Wilson was fined £400 and disqualified from driving for 12 months.