Two brothers who targeted the homes of elderly people were jailed on Monday — but will be freed NEXT WEEK

Paul Dowds — a convicted rapist — and his half-sibling Kevin Johnston were caught trying the doors of flats within Carwood Court, including that of an 83-year-old man.

The duo were sentenced to a maximum three months, but because of time served on remand they are likely to be back on the streets of Inverclyde as early as next Friday.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton remarked that his sentencing power was restricted as a result of prosecutors accepting the pair's guilty pleas to the lesser of two charges against them.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how Dowds, 43, and Johnston, 39, managed to blag their way past a secure door entry system to get into the complex at 11.50pm on May 31.

Fiscal depute Joanne Gilmour said: "It is unclear who allowed them entry.

"Dowds is seen to place his hand over his face, as if he is aware of the CCTV system."

The court was told how Johnston had got into the complex around three hours earlier and managed to partially creep into the flat of a couple in their late 60s.

He returned to Carwood Court with Dowds later and the pair were caught sneaking around the corridors inside.

Ms Gilmour said: "There is a warden service during the day but this ceases at 8pm.

"At 9pm one witness returned home and when he got to the door entry system Johnston was there, and when the man let himself in, the accused also let himself in.

"The witness observed the accused looking at names on doors whilst placing his hands on the handles of the doors."

The court heard how the 83-year-old resident was 'fearful' that an intruder was trying to break in to his home when he heard his locked front door being tried.

Ms Gilmour said: "Another witness was at home with his wife and recalls hearing his front door opening slowly and quietly.

"He observed Johnston poking his head inside.

"The witness challenged him and the accused made excuses and left."

Police were called after Dowds and Johnston were seen off by a brave resident.

Johnston told officers that he had been at the complex to speak to a man called 'John Black', however, a check with the housing manager revealed that there was no resident of that name.

Dowds was jailed for seven years for a violent sex attack he carried out in 2007.

His lawyer, Tony Callaghan, said he could 'offer very little explanation' for being at Carwood Court, adding: "His judgement was clouded by the alcohol he'd consumed."

Solicitor David Tod, for Johnston, said: "He has a position that he gave to the police."

Dowds, of Weir Street, and Johnston, of Nelson Street, had been charged with repeatedly attempting to open doors, attempting to enter flats, refusing to leave when requested and placing residents in a state of fear and alarm.

However, it was their guilty pleas to the lesser allegation of being within Carwood Court without lawful authority, so that it may reasonably inferred that they intended to commit theft, which was accepted.

Dowds' plea of not guilty to fighting at Lynedoch Street on another occasion and Johnston's denial of a charge of stealing booze from the Iceland store on Westburn Street were also accepted.

Sheriff Hamilton said: "Unfortunately my powers are limited to three months."

The sentences were also required to be backdated to when the pair were first remanded in custody on June 15.