News / Jail the best place for addict
A YOUNG Shetland drug addict who robbed a man of his mobile phone and stole money and five charity boxes from a rural shop was jailed at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.
Scott Anderson, aged 20, of 22 Hoofields, Lerwick, appeared from custody to plead guilty to breaking into Midway Stores, in Levenwick, on 25 July to steal the money and robbing the man at a house in the town’s Parkfield estate two days later.
The court heard that Anderson had been out of jail for less than a month on early release from a previous sentence when he committed the offences.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said that the robbery was “at the lower end of the scale” and he had only pled guilty to the break in to avoid naming the others involved in the offence.
Mr Allan said that Anderson had managed to stay free of illegal drugs during his brief period out of prison until these offences were committed, when he had succumbed to temptation.
However Sheriff Graeme Napier said that Anderson, who is prescribed methadone, had been given every chance over the past three years and he felt the best thing for him was to go back to prison, where has been since 28 July.
The sheriff said: “You are obviously making the most of it in custody, but my take on it is that the only time you actually do anything is when you are forced to do it and when you are at liberty you just mess up with the chances that have been given to you umpteen times over the last few years.
“I don’t think you are mature enough to take the opportunities offered to you by probation.”
Anderson was sent back to prison for a total of 196 days, which includes 42 days of the previous sentence from which he was released early.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
