Stole cash from Co-op tills

A MAN who admitted stealing nearly £800 from the tills of the Brae Co-op while he was working there has had his sentence deferred until January.

John Masterman, of Leaside, Mossbank, previously admitted embezzling £799.83 at the shop on or between 8 July and 31 July.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie told Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday that the 35 year old would “void transactions – this was done on a number of occasions”.

The matter came to light when the number of void transactions were noted by staff. He was challenged about it and subsequently admitted taking money.

Sheriff Philip Mann told Masterman, who was representing himself, that the offences were a “clear breach of trust”.

He adjourned the case until 17 January to allow social work reports to be prepared and while he said it was not a “substantial” amount of money, the sheriff said he would keep his sentencing options open.