A heartless thief who stole a children’s cancer charity collection tin from a bakery has been ordered to carry out unpaid work.
James Shewan was drunk when he walked into Maclean’s Highland Bakery in Forres and demanded free food.
When that was denied he left – but not before sneakily swiping the collection tin from the counter on June 8 last year, Elgin Sheriff Court was told.
The 40-year-old was caught shortly after when someone on the street spied the tin hanging out his back pocket.
Fiscal depute Shay Treanor told the court a member of staff at the bakery had noted the charity collection tin intact and in its usual place next to the till just before Shewan’s visit.
Stashed collection tin in back pocket
“She was alone at around 3.30pm when the accused entered and stated he had permission to be given free food as he was family of the owners of the shop,” he said. “She didn’t believe this and gave him only a coffee.
“The accused returned to Elgin and at around 4pm a witness saw him carrying a coffee cup, which he knew to be from the bakery, and saw the charity tin in his back pocket.
“He recognised the logo and knew this belonged to a certain children’s charity so contacted the police.”
Officers found Shewan on the street and still in possession of the tin which was returned to the bakery.
Shewan admitted a charge of theft.
His defence agent Stephen Carty said his client was under the influence at the time and “simply picked this tin up”.
‘He is ashamed’
“It’s a matter of great regret to him,” the solicitor added. “He is ashamed of his behaviour particularly since this was a charity collection tin.
“He cannot apologise enough for this drunken behaviour.”
Sheriff Ian Cruickshank handed him 80 hours of unpaid work as an alternative to a fine.
Shewan, of Masonic Close, Elgin, also admitted urinating in public on North College Street, Elgin, on Easter Sunday, for which he was admonished.
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