Highland court told how man caused £10,000 damage to Jobcentre because his benefits were being cut
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A man smashed 18 windows of the Jobcentre in the Highland capital because his benefits were getting cut.
Inverness Sheriff Court was told that Jamie McLaughlan (23), of the city's Old Steading Road, then approached police officers on July 10 and confessed to causing the damage in Young Street.
He also told them that he had smashed two windows at Highland Council’s headquarters in Glenurquhart Road because he “took umbridge” at its care system, fiscal depute Karen Poke said.
Ms Poke added that a motorist had sounded his horn as he passed along Young Street and McLaughlan made a gesture to him.
“The estimated cost of the damage was £10,000,” she said. “A total of 20 windows were broken.”
McLaughlan admitted two charges of wilful or reckless damage.
Defence solicitor Marc Dickson said: “He has had a difficult and unfortunate upbringing, having experienced a significant trauma at a young age. He harboured some animosity towards the council and has been diagnosed with a personality disorder.
“He is currently engaging with a psychiatrist, but has no other support. He is someone who is adrift in the world just now and support would be beneficial.”
MacLaughlan was placed under social work supervision for 18 months as an alternative to a prison sentence. He was also placed on a restriction of liberty order confining him to his home between 7pm and 7am for the next six months.
