Pair stole from friend days after his death

SENTENCE has been deferred on a Lerwick couple who admitted they stole from the house of a friend who had died in “tragic circumstances” only two days before.

On Thursday Lerwick Sheriff Court heard that David McKinnon, of Hoofields, and his partner Kelly Ann Ross, from Ladies Drive, took a games console and a necklace from the property on 29 July last year.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the pair went to the house at Grodians, in Lerwick, shortly after the man’s death.

Finding the property locked and sealed, 32 year old McKinnon entered through the side of the house before taking the games console, while his 37 year old fiancée stole the necklace.

The court heard that McKinnon, who was “out of his face on legal highs” at the time, stole the console to sell it on and pay off a drugs debt.

The fiscal said the necklace was of great sentimental value to the dead man’s family was buried with him once it had been recovered.

Defence agent Tommy Allan told court that McKinnon was “deeply ashamed” of the incident.

Sheriff Philip Mann said that the offence was a “particularly despicable” one considering their friend had only recently died.

He deferred sentencing on both until 10 June, bail was continued.