News / Former addict jailed for shoplifting
A LERWICK man has been sent to prison after going on a stealing spree from supermarkets to fund his craving for drugs.
On Thursday at Lerwick Sheriff Court, Iain Tulloch, of Flat 1, 4 Harbour St, admitted a string of shoplifting offences committed earlier this year.
The 45 year old kicked off the spate of stealing at Lerwick’s Co-op supermarket on Holmsgarth Road on 21 April by taking four bottles of spirits, with a total value of £78.
He then stole two bottles of port a day later at the same supermarket.
While on bail, Tulloch took two bottles of spirits from the Co-op on 25 April before pocketing another two bottles of spirits, one bottle of port and a pair of earphones from the Tesco supermarket in Lerwick on 8 May.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said Tulloch had a problem with opiate drugs and he took to stealing drink to fund cravings for methadone.
“He had a dependency which he could not afford,” he said.
The solicitor noted that his client had “weaned” himself off of his habit since being taken into custody in late July.
However Sheriff Philip Mann decided that Tulloch’s time behind bars did not “sufficiently repay his debt to society”.
Handing down a 15 week prison sentence for the shoplifting, the sheriff also ordered Tulloch to spend a further four weeks in prison for missing a court appointment on 10 June, all backdated to 29 July when he was first locked up.
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.