A funeral director stole from a dead leukaemia sufferer’s collection plate and then lied to family members.
Douglas Findlay, of Millar Street, Carnoustie, was convicted at the justice of the peace court in Arbroath on Friday following the sickening theft.
Findlay admitted stealing a quantity of money at Selwood Funeral Directors in Carnoustie on February 23 last year while he was employed at the firm.
The conviction comes after the 57-year-old was charged with theft by police in relation to a number of similar incidents that did not make it to court.
The court heard that Findlay had remarked on the size of the collection to the grieving daughter of the deceased, prior to stealing a share of the cash.
After becoming suspicious, the woman spoke to individual mourners to ask how much they had donated.
She confronted Findlay, who denied he had pocketed any of the money, but a subsequent police investigation proved him a liar.
Robin Marshall of Selwood said Findlay had been dismissed from his position of six years last year after it was revealed he had “stolen from the dead” on more than one occasion.
He add: “Selwood Funeral Directors have been instrumental, along with our client, in bringing this case forward. We admire our client’s perseverance and determination to bring this man to justice.
“We as a firm have offered support, help and guidance during this difficult time. It is a pity that Mr Findlay did not admit this offence at the time. This would have saved our client any further distress.”
Sheriff Peter Paterson ordered Findlay to pay £150 compensation.
It is understood the money will be donated to the oncology ward at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
In September last year the Crown Office confirmed it issued a “direct measure” to Findlay, understood to be a warning letter.
The case came to light after staff at Selwood launched an internal sting operation between February and March to smoke out the thief.
A bag of collection cash was counted and sealed before being handed to Findlay, who took some of the money and recorded a lower sum.
After Selwood discovered the discrepancies they refunded missing cash to families.
The business, which also has an office in Monifieth, is the oldest established, independent, family-owned and run funeral directors in Angus.