Embarrassed by break in attempts

A SHETLAND man was put on probation, ordered to do community service and will also be tagged after admitting two attempted break-ins to Lerwick businesses in June this year.

Gregor Manson, of Hillside, Bressay, was told by Sheriff Philipp Mann that he had narrowly escaped a prison sentence.

Manson had admitted at an earlier court hearing of attempting to break in with intent to steal at Burgess Garage, Holmsgarth, and the Staney Hill shop, Norstane, in the early hours of 6 June.

Neighbours had heard him trying to break through a door and alerted the police, who found him well equipped with a bag full of tools.

Defence solicitor Tommy Allan told the court that the 32 year old’s life had recently spiralled out of control due to a drug problem.

He said Manson was deeply embarrassed by the way he conducted himself in the place he had grown up in.

Sheriff Mann told him that he had pled guilty to serious offences that could easily have resulted in a custodial sentence.

He put Manson on probation for 18 months, ordered him to do 120 hours of unpaid work and told him to stay at his house every night between 7pm and 7am for the next three months.

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