News / Electrician fraudster strikes again
A SHETLAND electrician convicted of insinuating himself into people’s homes to steal money three years ago has pled guilty to a similar offence at Lerwick Sheriff Court.
On Thursday 49 year old James Stewart Robertson, of Willial, Levenwick, admitted stealing £40 from a house in Virkie last year.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said that previously Robertson had been masquerading as an on duty electrician while on sick leave and went into people’s homes to steal money.
On 31 October he was assisting an electrician friend who had “significant mobility difficulties” after an accident. The fiscal said the man knew of his past offences, but had been persuaded to take him on.
“His friend had given him a chance by giving him employment. They went to a house and because he was the mobile one, he was doing most of the moving around the house,” Mr Mackenzie said.
The couple living there had taken cash out of the bank to pay the electrician, and Robertson took the opportunity to steal it, causing “significant embarrassment” to his friend.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client was very disappointed in himself, was sorry for what he had done, and wished to apologise to his victims. He said that he could pay back the stolen money within a fortnight.
Mr Allan said: “The sum itself isn’t that significant…but he is well aware that he will pay a high price for this in what people will think of him and his chances of doing this sort of work again.”
Because of his previous conviction for fraud and attempted theft in 2009 for which he received two years probation and a three month tagging order, Sheriff Philip Mann said this was sufficiently “up the scale” to mean a possible prison sentence and deferred sentence until 16 May for social enquiry reports.
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.
