A man accused of a Boxing Day crime spree will face trial in the summer.
Ian Thomson appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday for a procedural hearing to switch his case to his hometown court of Banff.
A preliminary trial hearing had been set for April.
The 30-year-old, whose address was given in court as 3 The Hythe in Macduff, was represented by defence agent Debbie Wilson.
She attended court to ask Sheriff Andrew Miller to scrap the speculative date and set a fresh one in Banff.
Fiscal depute Ruaridh McAllister offered no objection to the change.
Thomson, who is on bail, will now appear at the Sheriff Court House on June 12 for his trial.
He denies the charges against him.
Thomson is accused of forcing open a door at Pyramid Pizza and Kebab, and one of its gaming machines to steal a quantity of cigarettes and cash.
On the same date, he is alleged to have attempted to gain access to a Chinese takeaway – also on Low Street – and to have forced his way into the Banffshire Journal office at 22 Old Market to steal cash.
It also alleged that Thomson failed to comply with a bail order.
At the time of his arrest, police thanked members of the public who had provided information and assistance.
Detective Constable Richard Cooper said: “Acquisitive crime in the Banff area is treated as a priority and I would urge any members of the community with any concerns or information to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
