A drug addict who stole from a church is on the run after failing to appear at Perth Sheriff Court to be sentenced for his “despicable” crime.
Sheriff Robert McCreadie said he had given Gary Cumming an opportunity to address his problems he had obviously failed to take, and issued a warrant for the man’s arrest.
The court previously heard that Cumming (44), of Pitt Street, Leith, targeted St John’s Episcopal Church in Perth to raise money with which to buy heroin.
Cumming, who has a long-standing problem with drugs, admitted visiting the building on at least two occasions in July last year.
He cut more than 100kg of lead from the roof of the church in Princes Street, removing flashing and guttering from parts of the roof and also prising off slates in a bid to get to the lead underneath.
The metalwork was then hauled by wheelbarrow to a local scrapyard, where it was exchanged for just £58 during visits on July 3 and 7.
At his last appearance, defence solicitor David Holmes said he regretted the offence, particularly given that a church was involved.
Sheriff McCreadie told him he was in grave danger of being “consumed” by heroin. He said, “You have offended in a thoroughly despicable manner, targeting and stealing from a church.
“This is a very serious matter and it clearly places you at the custodial threshold.”
Despite concerns that his coming off heroin was a forlorn hope, Sheriff McCreadie had decided to defer sentence at that time to enable Cumming to prove he could be of good behaviour and seek medical assistance for his drug problem.
The sheriff also called for a social work report Mr Holmes said on Monday this was not available, as Cumming had not gone to a meeting to allow it to be prepared.
“He has had an opportunity,” said Sheriff McCreadie before asking for a warrant to apprehend.
The court had previously heard that the damage caused to the church in the commission of the crime would most likely greatly exceed the reward received by Cumming.
Depute fiscal Robert Brown said the exact cost had still to be ascertained but the police were in the process of contacting the church to determine the cost of the damage caused.