An Angus man who broke into a shop on Christmas Day handed himself in after a massive social media campaign pricked his conscience.
Alexander Beharrie, 30, showed an “inexplicable” change in character when he broke into VV’s Boutique in Forfar last year before he stole armfuls of clothing.
He appeared for sentencing at Forfar Sheriff Court where his defence agent Bob Bruce said the offence at the East High Street shop was “absolutely out of character” for Beharrie.
Mr Bruce said his client had turned himself in to police after the shop’s owner, Vikki Jeffrey, posted indistinct CCTV images on Facebook, which were then shared thousands of times over the festive period.
He added: “He has no previous convictions, and has had an unblemished existence up until now. He works, and lives with his wife and children, and money is very tight.
“This really was inexplicable there was no degree of planning, he just kicks the door and he’s in. I think he’s got to be given enormous credit for handing himself in, when he was not even a suspect.”
Sheriff Kevin Veal said the incident was compounded by the fact Beharrie returned to the scene after he had gained access to the shop.
“He could have left it at that, but he went back and that’s why we’re here,” he said.
Sheriff Veal added: “The problem is, I think, that there has been far too much alcohol consumed.”
CCTV footage, examined by police, showed a raider walking into the shop and stuffing a vintage shirt up his jumper.
The thief damaged the door of the building at about 1am and returned three minutes later to snatch several items.
Officers noticed the door of the shop lying open at 1.30am and called Ms Jeffrey. Beharrie, of South Street, Forfar, admitted breaking in to VV’s Boutique on December 25 last year, and that he stole a quantity of clothing and accessories.
Sentence had previously been deferred for the preparation of reports. Beharrie was fined £200 and given a compensation order of £101 to the shop for damages and stock loss.