Fraser Smith, 16, admitted the ‘despicable’ theft when he appeared in the dock at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last Thursday.

Procurator fiscal depute, Michelle Skelly, said on the morning of September 21 the mother of the accused had left her watch sitting on a unit within the family home on West Princes Street, Helensburgh, in preparation for it being taken to be cleaned later in the day.

At 2.20pm Smith’s parents noticed the watch was no longer there and the father of the accused told police officers the item had been taken while speaking to them about another matter.

Police then received information from a local jewellers that someone had attempted to sell the item. Officers attended at Webster Jewellery and a description was given of the watch in question.

When officers spoke to Smith he admitted taking the item and was arrested. The watch, which was valued at £1,000, was fully recovered.

Mr Tom Brown, Smith’s defence solicitor, said the teenager had been ‘put out the house’ following the offence, which was committed while the accused was on bail.

He is currently staying at the Ardlui Guest House, West Clyde Street, and although his parents accompanied him to court they had said they were not going to take him back right away.

Mr Brown added that the 16-year-old had issues with cannabis in the past, however this was thought to be under control now.

Sentencing the teenager, Sheriff Simon Fraser said: “We want to keep an eye on this young man. Most of the young people I see standing where you are in relation to a theft charge start out in a small way such as shoplifting, which is more of an inconvenience to shop keepers, and it does not tend to attract a jail term.

“However you have started on big scores – a four-figure sum stolen from your parents. Not only is it dishonest it is despicable.” Sheriff Fraser deferred sentence until February 13 for the accused to be of good behaviour. He added: “If you get into any trouble you will be in big trouble when you come back here.” Smith’s bail was continued.