Man (23) broke into Moray village's Post Office to steal cigarettes
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A 23-year-old man who broke into a Moray village's Post Office to steal cigarettes has been ordered to carry out hours of unpaid work.
On December 17 last year, witnesses in Aberlour heard a loud smash followed by an alarm at around 3.30pm at a property on the High Street.
Witnesses noticed that a glass panel on the door of S Cattanach Newsagent had been destroyed and a man, later identified as Scott Ironside, was observed running from the scene with several packs of cigarettes.
Police were contacted and CCTV was obtained which was used to help trace Ironside to a property in the village.
Elgin Sheriff Court heard that he was found asleep on a sofa with an open pack of cigarettes on a table next to him.
It was also noted that he had cuts to hands which he later openly admitted were as a result of the break-in.
Fiscal depute Karen Poke told the court that the value of the six packs of cigarettes stolen totalled £72.45. The damage to the door amounted to £600.
Ironside's solicitor said that his client had been visiting his sister from his home in Aberdeen.
The solicitor said his client had spent 33 days in custody as a result of the incident during which time he showed a "remarkable change" due to his lack of access to alcohol.
He added that he has only had one drink since his release and that Ironside has a "better outlook in life".
Sheriff David Harvie said: "You had not been in custody before so this was a shock to the system.
"I will give you that chance to reset but we will keep a close eye on you.
"It's easy to go back to your old ways. That's the stage you have reached.
"No messing about."
Sheriff Harvie ordered Ironside to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay £120 in compensation and will be put under a one year supervision order.
Sheriff Harvie added: "If there are any issues with any of the orders then we understand each other as to what is going to happen if you don't comply."
