A man who plunged two Dundee streets into darkness by breaking into two electricity boxes and switching street lights off and on “for fun” could escape a custodial sentence.
Despite having served several spells in detention and having more than 20 previous convictions, John Duncan, 20, was granted bail while the case was continued for an assessment of whether he was suitable for a boot camp-style,outward-bound course.
Duncan, of Beauly Crescent, was part of a gang of youths who left live wires exposed and caused more than £1,250 of damage to the distribution boxes last May.
He even returned to the scene to switch one of the boxes back on after his mother phoned him to complain that her internet connection was broken.
He had admitted the offence last month and sentence had been deferred for reports with Duncan being remanded in custody.
When he appeared before Sheriff George Way yesterday, defence solicitor Scott Norrie said it had been a “fairly positive report” from the social work department.
Sheriff Way agreed and said he would follow the recommendation of the report, which suggested Duncan could be suitable for the Venture Trust programme, and deferred sentence for an assessment, releasing him on bail.
Duncan admitted that while acting with others he culpably and recklessly forced open electricity distribution boxes and damaged the circuit board and components, interfered with the power supply and left the components exposed to the danger of the public on Beauly Avenue and Beauly Square on May 8.
Sheriff Way said: “He’s had several custodial sentences and they haven’t significantly altered the way in which he thinks or behaves.
“This was very stupid. He put his life on the line for the fun of seeing lights going out. I’m more than happy to try anything that will nudge his life in a different direction.”
Sentence was deferred until May 14.