Electronic tag for Montrose man who stole charity tins from shops

A sheriff has slammed an Angus man for stealing three charity tins in separate incidents over more than six months, branding the crimes “about as low as it gets”.

But Kenneth Milne dodged going behind bars after the court heard of his role as a full-time carer for his partner and the positive progress he is making in seeking help for his drug-addiction difficulties.

Milne, 37, of Lower Craigo Street, Montrose, will spend the next three months on an electronic tag, confining him to his home address between 7pm and 7am.

He had previously admitted offences including stealing charity tins from Creel Seafoods on High Street, the Ferry Stop, Ferry Street, and Mums of Montrose, Castle Place, on dates in June and July last year and January this year.

Sheriff Jillian Martin-brown told Milne: “Your crimes include stealing charity boxes, which I think is about as low as it gets. I hope for your sake that you use the time given to you to engage with the agencies mentioned in the report, otherwise you are just going to end up in custody.”

Also at Forfar:

Dale Leith, 43, of no fixed abode, was remanded in custody until May 10 for a psychological assessment to be completed.

Leith previously admitted a charge of assaulting his mother at a house on Hill Place, Arbroath, on March 9 by striking her on the head with a pot, repeatedly punching her on the head and body and restricting her breathing by placing his arm around her neck.

Defence solicitor Billy Rennie said: “He has been on remand for five weeks having pled guilty at an intermediate diet.”