Manson admits break in attempts

A THIRTY two year old Shetland man admitted attempting to break in to two separate Lerwick businesses at the weekend when he appeared from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Monday.

Gregor David Manson, of Hillside, Bressay, was arrested after neighbours alerted the police at around 2.30am on Sunday morning.

Manson pled guilty to two charges of attempting to break in with intent to steal at Burgess Garage, Holmsgarth, and the Staney Hill shop, Norstane.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said police found a bag with tools such as a crowbar and hammer when they attended the scene at Burgess Garage. Manson was soon found hiding in a coal bunker nearby.

Defending, solicitor Tommy Allan said his client was unemployed and had very little money.

He said that at the time breaking into these businesses seemed like a good idea to his client, but added that after a weekend in the cells Manson very much regretted what he had done.

Honorary sheriff Eric Peterson asked for social enquiry, community service and restriction of liberty reports and deferred sentence until 7 July.

Manson was released on bail but was put under curfew seven days a week between 8pm and 7am. He was told that he had to answer the door to any police officer during that time.