Romanian teenager pressured into begging, court told

A Romanian teenager was “being pressured” into begging in St Andrews, Dundee Sheriff Court heard.

Isabella Cloca, 17, who speaks no English, was caught handing begging letters to members of the public in St Andrews Bus Station on December 30, and in Market Street the following day.

However, she is banned from the town as a bail condition for an outstanding shoplifting charge.

The court heard that members of the public phoned the police to tell them she was begging, although she lives with her boyfriend in Brodick Road, Kirkcaldy.

Defence solicitor Mike Short said he felt she was being pressurised into breaking the bail condition and had tried to make it clear to her that she could face prison if she does not comply.

Sheriff Elizabeth Munro said she had no wish to remand Cloca in custody.

Through an interpreter, she told Cloca: “It is terribly important that you stay away from St Andrews. If this happens again you will go to prison.”

Cloca will return to court on January 14 for sentence and for other matters calling.