A Forfar man with more than 20 previous convictions has admitted stealing a five-figure sum of money from an Angus shop.
Mark Andrew Milligan (23), of East High Street, Forfar, appeared from custody at the town’s Sheriff Court on Thursday and admitted forcing open a lockfast filing cabinet at the Forfar Nickel and Dime shop and stealing cash.
The court heard how Milligan broke into the filing cabinet but later took steps to return the money to the shop owner.
An initial sum of £19,745 was said to have been taken, but Sheriff Kevin Veal suggested it was actually ”three times that sum.”
Milligan’s defence solicitor suggested bail for his client, but Sheriff Kevin Veal replied: ”This involved the theft of £20,000 from a shop in Forfar, in cash, by someone having 22 or 23 previous convictions.
”The fact that he was on bail and subject to a community payback order as well ask yourself if it’s an appropriate case for bail.”
He added: ”Whether it’s £20,000 or £60,000 is neither here nor there money to that extent was stolen from a lockfast filing cabinet.
”Having his previous convictions, being on bail and the breach of the community payback order can only mean custody.”
Milligan was remanded in custody and his case was continued to December 20 for the preparation of reports.