Serial thief jailed for 18 months

A “menace” who broke into a house on Christmas Day and stole an X-box computer console along with various other items has received an 18-month prison sentence.

Scott Anderson, 21, of Kirkabister, Bressay, helped himself to the games unit from a chalet in Hoofields on 25th December. He also pinched a rucksack containing DVDs, a camera, a pair of trainers and a pair of boots.

At Lerwick Sheriff Court today Anderson also admitted breaking a window at the Staney Hill Shop three weeks later, in an attempt to steal from the premises.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie described Anderson as “a drug addict and a thief” and added: “Dishonesty feeds his habit. He is a menace when at liberty.”

The court heard Anderson forced his way into the chalet through a bathroom window. The items pinched were valued at £500. No recovery was made.

His later efforts to break into the shop failed, but he caused £200-worth of damage in his attempt.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Anderson had made plans to make contact with his child, who had moved to Orkney.

But the plans fell through and Anderson was told it would be a further six months before he would see the child again.

With that on his mind he relapsed and began using drugs again.

Mr Allan said he committed the offences “pretty much with a view to him being taken back into custody”.

Sentencing him, Sheriff Philip Mann sent Anderson down for 18 months – 10 months of which make up the unexpired portion of a previous sentence.