Invergordon shop targeted three times by shoplifter spared jail
A serial offender has been given a chance to stay out of jail as social workers believe the is trying to get his life in order.
Liam Macdonald (35), of Mackintosh Road, Inverness, appeared from custody at Inverness Sheriff Court after being arrested at the weekend for failing to appear for a court hearing.
He explained it was "poor time management" and he was in fact late for the hearing.
Macdonald had been due to be sentenced for three offences of shoplifting which occurred at the Co-op in High Street, Invergordon between January 26 and February 2.
Fiscal depute Grant McLennan told Sheriff Gary Aitken that a total of £239.87 worth of goods were stolen from the supermarket and none was recovered.
A background report had previously been called for and Macdonald's solicitor, Natalie Paterson, said that it was "relatively positive."
"He appreciates he is in a difficult position in view of his record, but he is making progress with his long-standing addiction,” she said.
"There has been nothing since these offences and he has got his own accommodation for the first time. He has been engaging with social workers and will engage with a community payback order."
Sheriff Aitken placed Macdonald under 18 months of social work supervision and ordered him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work as an alternative to custody.
He told him: "You seem to be trying to get your life sorted out. Do not breach this order."
Macdonald said "thank-you" to the bench as he was led out of the court.