Moray courts:- Drunk stole charity collection tin
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A Moray man has been ordered to do unpaid work for the community after he admitted stealing a collection tin for a children's cancer charity.
James Shewan walked into Maclean's Bakery in Forres and asked them to give him something to eat for free because he was a member of the owner's family.
Elgin Sheriff Court was told that a female member of staff did not believe him, but did make Shewan a cup of coffee.
Shewan, who's aged 40, then left the bakery.
This happened at about 3.30pm on Wednesday, June 8 last year.
Around half an hour afterwards, the woman then saw Shewan walk past the window.
Sticking out of his back pocket was a collection tin that had previously been in the bakery.
She rang the police and Shewan was arrested.
Defence solicitor Stephen Carty stated that his client was drunk on the day of the offence.
The lawyer said: "He picked up the item as he left. It's a matter of great regret. He's thoroughly ashamed."
Mr Carty added that Shewan had suffered with a drinking problem for virtually his entire adult life.
Shewan, whose address was given in court papers as Masonic Close, Elgin, was ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work for the community.
