A Dundee man who admitted passing counterfeit bank notes in Angus left his family “mortified” over the offences, a court heard.
Liam Markie, 19, of Merton Avenue, admitted passing three £20 Clydesdale Bank notes on September 14 at James Pirrie and Sons butchers and the Post Office in Newtyle, plus at Spar in Meigle.
Sheriff Kevin Veal said counterfeiting “can cause financial havoc” and sentenced Markie to a six-month community payback order with 60 hours of unpaid work.
At Forfar Sheriff Court, depute fiscal Saima Rasheed said he successfully used one in the butcher’s.
“The shop was very busy and the accused entered with a co-accused and asked to purchase a small amount of sausages,” she said.
“He attempted to pay with a counterfeit note and the person on the counter didn’t notice.”
Someone called later on from the post office to check whether the accused had been in the shop. After being arrested, as Markie was unable to account for his movements, police consulted CCTV to piece them together.
Defence agent Campbell Donaldson said Mackie had received a “very positive” criminal justice social work report.
“My client accepts responsibility and cites pressure from his friend,” he said.
“He has received a major fright coming to court. He comes from a well-respected family in Lochee and they are mortified.”
Mrs Rasheed said Markie’s co-accused had emigrated to Australia. Mr Donaldson added his client had been offered work there and is keen to take this up.
Sheriff Veal told Markie: “I trust I won’t see you here again.”